With Championship Sunday on deck, South Carolina fans have plenty of reasons to tune in. Four former Gamecocks are suiting up for a shot at the Super Bowl, and they’re doing it on some of the NFL’s biggest stages.
Let’s start with the AFC Championship, where the Denver Broncos are hosting the New England Patriots in a heavyweight showdown. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. on CBS. While injuries have sidelined Nick Gargiulo (Broncos) and Marcellas Dial (Patriots) for the season, two other South Carolina alums will be active and looking to make an impact.
Tight end Nate Adkins is in his third year with the Broncos, and while his stat line this season won’t jump off the page-seven catches for 49 yards and a touchdown in 10 games-he’s carved out a role as a reliable depth option in a crowded Denver offense. He chipped in with a catch in the divisional win over Buffalo, and while it went for just a yard, his presence in the blocking game continues to be a quiet asset.
Fullback Adam Prentice, now in his fifth NFL season, has been a steady contributor across all 17 games for Denver. He’s carried the ball 10 times for 44 yards and added six receptions for 53 yards.
The numbers may be modest, but Prentice’s value comes in the dirty work-lead blocking, special teams, and short-yardage situations. He was targeted once in the win over the Bills, and his versatility gives the Broncos another wrinkle to lean on in high-leverage moments.
Over in the NFC, the Seattle Seahawks are set to host the Los Angeles Rams in what promises to be a physical, defense-heavy battle. That game kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on FOX, and two more former Gamecocks are front and center for Seattle’s defense.
Linebacker Ernest Jones IV continues to build on what’s become a standout NFL career. Now in year five, Jones has been a tackling machine-132 total this season, and he’s added a career-high six interceptions to his résumé.
Through 78 career games, he’s racked up 584 tackles, a testament to his consistency and football IQ. In last week’s divisional win over the 49ers, Jones was everywhere-six tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble.
He’s the kind of player who elevates his game when the lights are brightest.
Then there’s rookie safety Nick Emmanwori, who’s made an immediate impact in his first year in the league. In 14 games, he’s totaled 84 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and an interception-impressive numbers for any rookie, let alone one adjusting to the speed of NFL offenses.
His performance last weekend only added to his case for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year honors: three tackles, a fumble recovery, and a key pass breakup. Emmanwori’s range and instincts have made him a rising star in Seattle’s secondary.
So as the final four teams gear up for a trip to the Super Bowl, South Carolina has more than just a rooting interest-they’ve got real contributors in the mix. Whether it’s veterans like Jones and Prentice or emerging talents like Adkins and Emmanwori, the Gamecocks’ NFL pipeline is showing up when it matters most.