Another Gamecock has raised his draft stock after stellar performance against Oklahoma

South Carolina's defense, by far, has been the highlight of the team this season, led by Georgia Tech transfer Kyle Kennard and freshman EDGE rusher Dylan Stewart. In the past few games, however, a couple of guys have begun to shine, and one in particular shined the most against Oklahoma, raising the eyes of NFL Draft analysts.

Defensive back Nick Emmanwori had his best game as a Gamecock so far this season against Oklahoma when he recorded two interceptions, returned one for a touchdown, and had 11 total tackles, seven solo tackles, and one tackle for a loss. Emmanwori is still just a junior, but his name has been popping up on projected draft boards, and his performance against OU improved his draft stock.

Kennard has been projected to go in the first round in the past couple of CBS Sports mock drafts by Blake Brockermeyer. In the latest mock draft, Brockermeyer had Kennard being drafted with the No. 21 overall pick, possibly by the Denver Broncos. What was surprising to college football fans, but no surprise to South Carolina fans, Emmanwori found himself projected to go in the first round with the No. 24 overall pick possible to the Baltimore Ravens.

Here is the excerpt Brockermeyer had for both Kennard and Emmanwori:

"Kennard has a nice toolbox of moves, including a great get-off, speed to power, and a quick inside move. Kennard has consistently affected the quarterback all season and has been one of the nation's best defensive players."

"Baltimore currently seems destined for a Super Bowl run, but the odds at this slot say that eventually a leaky defense is going to catch up with it. Emmanwori is a giant safety who runs like a corner. He's a ball hawk who can excel in the box with his size and is also excellent in coverage."

If there was one thing that Emmanwori did against Oklahoma, it was flying around on the field and seemed to always be close to the ball at all times. He has a big frame and can go up and fight with receivers to intercept passes.

So far in his third season with the Gamecocks, he already has set a career-high in interceptions with four this season and two returned for touchdowns. He also is close to surpassing his solo tackles from last season with 33 already and has 49 total tackles.

Kennard has proven all season long he is destined for the NFL with the way he dominates offensive lines in order to get to the quarterback. With Kennard getting more attention from the offensive line, it also opens up other players, as it did against Oklahoma, to create chaos in the backfield.

After spending four seasons at Georgia Tech, Kennard transferred to South Carolina and has been putting up great numbers. He has 19 total tackles on the season and 14 solo tackles, along with 8.5 sacks, which is a career-high, along with two forced fumbles.

Both Gamecocks have the ability to increase their draft stock even more in the coming games against formidable opponents. The South Carolina defense has continued to be stellar this season and with these two leading the way, things should continue to be great.