Emmanwori and Hemingway Recognized as SEC Players of the Week

University of South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori has been named the SEC co-Defensive Player of the Week and defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway has been selected as the SEC co-Defensive Lineman of the Week, the Southeastern Conference office announced today.

Emmanwori, a 6-3, 227-pound junior from Irmo, S.C., recorded a season-high 11 tackles including seven solo stops and one tackle for loss in the Gamecocks’ 35-9 rout of Oklahoma. He intercepted a career-high two passes. His first interception came on the game’s first play from scrimmage and set up the Gamecocks’ first touchdown five plays later. His second pick of the day came just a few minutes later and he took it to the house from 65-yards out to give Carolina an insurmountable 21-0 lead barely five minutes into the contest. Emmanwori, who was named one of 16 quarterfinalists for the Lott IMPACT Award last week, has four interceptions on the season which leads the SEC and is tied for second in the country.

Hemingway, a 6-3, 288-pound fifth-year senior from Conway, S.C., helped a defense that set a record with nine sacks along with 13 tackles for loss and forced six fumbles and four turnovers. He picked up a fumble and rambled 36 yards for a touchdown early in the contest, giving Carolina a 14-0 lead in the 35-9 rout of Oklahoma. He was credited with two tackles including an 8-yard sack. He helped stifle the Sooners to just 53 yards rushing on 41 attempts, an average of just 1.3 yards per carry.

Emmanwori, Hemingway and the rest of the Gamecocks (4-3, 2-3 SEC) will enjoy a bye week this week. They will return to action on Saturday, Nov. 2, when they host the 14th-ranked Texas A&M Aggies (6-1, 4-0 SEC) in a night game at Williams-Brice Stadium.