South Carolina’s 2024 NFL Rookie Class: A Promising Start Across the League
The 2024 season brought a wave of new NFL talent out of Columbia, as South Carolina saw a strong group of former Gamecocks make their way onto NFL rosters-some via the draft, others by grinding their way in as undrafted free agents. And now, with the regular season nearly wrapped, we’re getting a clearer picture of how these rookies have fared in their first year at the next level.
Let’s break down the impact this rookie class has had across the league-offense, defense, and special teams.
Offense: Earning Reps and Making Moments Count
Torricelli Simpkins III - OL, New Orleans Saints
Simpkins has managed to carve out a role for himself in the Saints' offensive line rotation, appearing in eight games and earning two starts.
What stands out is his versatility-he started at left guard against the Seahawks in Week 3, then flipped to right guard in Week 5 against the Giants. For a rookie, that kind of flexibility is gold.
It shows the coaching staff trusts him, and it gives him a real shot at sticking long-term in a league that values plug-and-play linemen.
Raheim Sanders - RB, Cleveland Browns
Sanders’ stat line might not jump off the page-three carries for three yards and a touchdown in a Week 1 loss to the Bengals-but don’t overlook the significance.
He found the end zone in his NFL debut. That’s a moment.
After originally signing with the Chargers, Sanders landed with the Browns before the season and has been working to climb the depth chart. It’s a small sample size, but the door isn’t closed.
Gage Larvadain - WR/PR, Cleveland Browns
Larvadain made the most of his preseason, and it paid off with real playing time.
In 10 games, he’s caught seven passes for 71 yards and served as a reliable punt returner, logging 21 returns for 158 yards. That return role is no small thing-it’s often the path undrafted receivers take to stick on rosters and earn more offensive snaps.
Larvadain is doing exactly what he needs to: contribute on special teams and stay ready when his number is called.
Defense: Making Noise, Earning Reps, and Flashing Potential
Nick Emmanwori - S, Seattle Seahawks
Emmanwori was the highest-drafted Gamecock in the 2025 class, and he’s absolutely lived up to the billing.
In 12 games, he’s totaled 71 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and an interception. That’s a full stat line for any safety, let alone a rookie.
He even earned NFL Rookie of the Week honors for his performance against the Cardinals. His best game yet came just recently-11 tackles against the Rams.
He’s flying to the ball, making plays in the box and in coverage, and looking like a long-term piece in Seattle’s secondary.
Demetrius Knight Jr. - LB, Cincinnati Bengals
Knight has been a tackling machine in his first season.
Through 14 games, he’s racked up 94 tackles, two sacks, and two interceptions. He’s hit double-digit tackles in three games, including a 12-tackle outing against the Jets.
That kind of production is hard to ignore. He’s not just filling a roster spot-he’s producing at a starter’s level and showing instincts that suggest he’s only scratching the surface.
T.J. Sanders - DL, Buffalo Bills
Sanders has had a quieter rookie year, but he’s still found his way into nine games, recording 11 tackles along the way. A midseason injury cost him three games, but he’s been active lately and contributing in the rotation.
As a rookie defensive tackle, it’s all about gaining experience and showing flashes-and Sanders has done enough to keep himself in the mix for more reps moving forward.
Kyle Kennard - EDGE, Los Angeles Chargers
Kennard has appeared in three games with the Chargers and logged two tackles.
He’s been inactive the past three weeks, but that’s not uncommon for young edge rushers trying to break through on deep defensive lines. The key for Kennard will be staying healthy, continuing to develop, and making the most of his next opportunity.
Tonka Hemingway - DL, Las Vegas Raiders
Hemingway has played in six games and recorded three tackles and a sack.
That first career sack came on December 7 against the Broncos-a milestone moment for any rookie defensive lineman. With his size and motor, Hemingway has the potential to grow into a rotational disruptor for the Raiders.
Bam Martin-Scott - LB, Carolina Panthers
Martin-Scott has been a steady contributor for the Panthers, appearing in 14 games and tallying 17 tackles along with a forced fumble.
His best performance came in Week 12 against the 49ers, when he notched six tackles. For a first-year linebacker, showing up on special teams and making plays when called on defensively is a good sign of things to come.
Special Teams: Consistency from the Start
Kai Kroeger - P, New Orleans Saints
Kroeger has quietly been one of the most consistent rookies out of South Carolina this year.
Punting 48 times for an average of 45.1 yards per boot, he’s brought stability to the Saints’ special teams unit. His long of 61 yards shows he has the leg, but it’s his placement that’s been most impressive-pinning 17 punts inside the 20.
That kind of control is what keeps jobs in the NFL. He’s also handling holding duties on field goals, further proving his value.
Practice Squad Watch
Several other former Gamecocks from the 2024 squad are still grinding and staying ready on practice squads:
- Alex Huntley (Dolphins)
- Joshua Simon (Falcons)
- Dalevon Campbell (Chargers)
- Vershon Lee (Vikings)
These guys are one injury or opportunity away from getting their shot. And if this year’s rookie class has shown us anything, it’s that South Carolina players know how to make the most of those chances.
Final Thoughts
This rookie class out of South Carolina is proving that the Gamecocks are producing NFL-ready talent across the board. From Emmanwori’s breakout in Seattle to Knight’s tackling surge in Cincinnati, to Kroeger’s consistency in the punting game, these rookies are not just surviving-they’re contributing.
And for a team looking to build momentum on the recruiting trail and in the SEC standings, that kind of NFL success matters. It tells the next wave of players: if you ball out in Columbia, the league will find you.