South Carolina football’s standout safety has his eyes set on a major milestone as he prepares to make the leap to the NFL—and he’s already got one quarterback in his sights. With the 2025 NFL Draft fast approaching, the Gamecocks’ star is generating plenty of buzz, and it’s no surprise to South Carolina fans.
His exceptional play has been key to the team’s rise in the competitive SEC, and after a stellar 2024 season, he’s projected to be a first-round pick in various mock drafts.
In a recent interview with the NFL Network, the 21-year-old safety shared which NFL quarterback he’s most eager to intercept: Lamar Jackson. “Lamarvelous,” he said. “A lot of people talk about Pat Mahomes and other quarterbacks, but Lamar is the best quarterback to me. I’ve never seen someone play quarterback who’s that athletic and that efficient. I think he’s the best quarterback in the NFL right now. If I pick him off, I think I’d beat him to the end zone.”
His comments were a perfect blend of confidence and respect. The Gamecocks will certainly miss their star defensive back, whose journey at South Carolina has been nothing short of impressive. After a standout freshman year that earned him a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team, the Greensboro, North Carolina native continued to improve, setting career highs in interceptions and passes defended.
His junior season was even more remarkable, recording a career-high 88 tackles and four interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. At 6’3″, 220 pounds, his combination of size, athleticism, and playmaking ability makes him a prime candidate to thrive in the NFL.
As for the Gamecocks, they are heading into the 2025 season with high expectations. Ranked No. 10 in ESPN’s way-too-early rankings, South Carolina is on the rise after nearly making the College Football Playoff last season under head coach Shane Beamer. With the return of quarterback LaNorris Sellers, the SEC Freshman of the Year, the stakes have only gotten higher for the program.
Looking ahead, the young safety’s comments also paint a promising picture of his future. Lamar Jackson has long been an inspiration for players like him, as well as for other rising stars such as LaNorris Sellers. Jackson, once doubted for his accuracy and even considered by some as a potential wide receiver prospect, has since defied the odds. Last season, he completed 66.7% of his passes for 4,172 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. If Emmanwori and Sellers adopt Jackson’s work ethic, both could have the potential for remarkable careers in the NFL.
