National outlet ranks South Carolina football star as top-10 national player

South Carolina football fans know that the Gamecock defensive line has a chance to be really good in 2024, especially at defensive tackle. USC combines experienced returners and veteran transfers at the position, and the newfound depth on the interior of the unit will be a great tool for Gamecock defensive line coach Travian Robertson.

Arguably the most experienced of all of the Carolina defensive tackles is Tonka Hemingway. A Palmetto State native, Hemingway is entering his fifth year in garnet and black, and he appears set to play a major role no matter which defensive front the Gamecocks elect to use this fall. In the 3-3-5, Hemingway can play inside or outside, and in the 4-2-5, he is a versatile tackle who was among one of the highest-graded linemen last season according to Pro Football Focus' grading system.

Because of that high grade, it is no surprise that PFF is high on Hemingway's stock heading into the 2024 season.

According to Max Chadwick on PFF's College Football Show podcast, Tonka Hemingway is "one of the more underrated defensive tackles in the country right now." PFF ranks him as the 9th-best defensive tackle in the country (and as having the best name in college football).

Hemingway is joined in a relatively loaded defensive tackle room by fellow athletic tackle TJ Sanders, veteran Columbia-area native Boogie Huntley, nose tackle Nick Barrett, redshirt sophomore Jamaal Whyce, and big-bodied transfers like DeAndre Jules, Monkell Goodwine, and Jerome Simmons.

Four, five, or even six of those defensive tackles will play significant snaps for the Gamecocks this fall, but Hemingway has a chance to be the best of the unit. Last year, PFF graded Hemingway as one of just 10 defensive tackles who earned a grade of 75 or better as both a run defender and pass rusher.

If things go well for #91 this season, he could hear his name called in next April's NFL Draft.