Draft Diary: Tonka Hemingway - Part 4

After five seasons at the University of South Carolina, former defensive lineman Tonka Hemingway continued to live his childhood dream when he was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the 33rd pick in the fourth round of last month’s NFL Draft. After sharing his thoughts in the weeks leading up to being selected, Hemingway gives us his final thoughts in his draft diary.

“When I first got the phone call it was a surreal moment for me. They called me right before they were about to announce the pick.

“It was just great to know that all the years of hard work were finally going to pay off.

“I went out to Vegas a couple of weeks after the draft. I’ve been doing the rookie mini camps. It’s been good to get out there and compete and get used to everything. I’m learning a lot.

“I’m just trying to get to know my way around. It’s been fun and different being in a big city like Las Vegas. I haven’t had any fan boy moments, though. It won’t be hard for me to stay focused. I just have to do a lot of time management. I’m looking forward to getting out there in training camp and competing.

“This is what I’ve worked for my whole life.

“Being at South Carolina helped me because I learned a lot, and I overcame a lot during my career. I had some injuries that I had to come back from. All my coaches at South Carolina helped me get to where I am today. Every one of them.

“I’m enjoying my new swag now. I’m not taking a lot of pictures of myself or anything, but it’s great.

“I grew up a fan of individual players, but my family was sort of Cowboys fans. Now they’re all Raiders fans.

“I can’t wait to go out there and show what I can do.”