Nick Emmanwori made sure that everyone watching the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine knew his name. The South Carolina safety delivered an electrifying performance, proving why he is one of the most physically dominant defensive backs in recent memory.
With a rare blend of size, speed, and explosiveness, Emmanwori left scouts and analysts in awe, skyrocketing his draft stock ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft.
South Carolina Safety Nick Emmanwori’s Breakout Combine Performance
Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 220 pounds, Emmanwori was already considered a freak athlete before arriving at the combine. He was ranked No. 1 on The Athletic’s prestigious Combine Freaks List, and his performance in Indianapolis validated that hype.
The South Carolina standout put on a clinic, posting numbers that placed him among the most elite defensive back prospects in recent history.
The Instagram page of NFL on ESPN highlighted his performance with a post that included the caption:
“Where will these two end up?”
The post featured analyst Matt Miller’s comment:
“I think there’s a shoot after Travis Hunter [Matthew Golden] will be the first wide receiver off the board.”
View this post on Instagram
Emmanwori’s combined numbers were jaw-dropping. He delivered an astonishing 11’6″ broad jump and a 43″ vertical leap—both the best marks of any player at this year’s event.
His vertical jump was particularly historic, as pointed out by Warren Sharp of Sharp Football, marking the highest jump ever recorded by a player weighing at least 200 pounds.
If that wasn’t enough, Emmanwori also displayed his elite speed, clocking a blazing 4.38-second 40-yard dash. Even more impressive was his 1.49-second 10-yard split, showcasing his acceleration off the line.
His combination of size, speed, and explosiveness sets him apart from most defensive backs entering the NFL.
A Historic Combine Performance
Comparing his numbers to past combine standouts makes Emmanwori’s performance even more remarkable.
The last time a defensive back of his size jumped this high was in 2017, when UConn’s Obi Melifonwu recorded a 44″ vertical. While that mark still holds as the highest, Emmanwori’s 43″ leap is not far behind.
In terms of the broad jump, Texas Tech’s Tyler Owens set a new benchmark in 2024 with a 12’2″ jump, but at 215 pounds, Owens was slightly lighter than Emmanwori. Owens went undrafted and signed with the Washington Commanders, whereas Emmanwori is projected to be a high draft pick.
GET DRAFTING: College Football Network’s Mock Draft Simulator
What separates Emmanwori from other highly athletic safeties is his versatility on the field. Throughout his time at South Carolina, he played multiple roles in the secondary, showcasing his ability to cover receivers, deliver punishing hits, and make plays against the run.
Scouts and analysts were quick to recognize his potential, and his performance at the combine only solidified the belief that he could be a game-changer for an NFL defense. With the draft approaching, Emmanwori’s name is surging up draft boards, and teams in need of a dominant defensive playmaker are taking notice.
His rare athletic profile and versatility make him one of the most intriguing defensive prospects in the 2025 draft class. Where he lands in April remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Nick Emmanwori has firmly established himself as a future star in the NFL.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
