Courtesy of Seahawks.com
NFL rookie Nick Emmanwori had a game for the ages this past weekend for the Seattle Seahawks.
The former Irmo High School and University of South Carolina safety made his return to the Southeast last Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. In the 37-9 win, Emmanwori put up an unprecedented stat line for a first-year player.
He recorded six tackles, a sack, had an interception, a tackle for loss and a blocked field goal.
“That honestly feels great,” said Emmanwori about he first career block. “If you look on film, the past couple of weeks, I’ve been close to blocking a field goal in every game. So, me and my special teams coach, Fitz (assistant special teams coach Devin Fitzsimmons), we’ve just been working on it on practice, my get-off, just trying to find the best technique I can use to win.”
Emmanwori’s presence has made a difference for the Seahawks not just because of the individual plays he makes, but because of what his rare traits allow Macdonald to do with his defense.
Emmanwori, who ran a 4.38 second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, is fast enough and athletic enough to cover receivers, as was evident when he nearly picked off a pass last week while guarding All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson on a third-down play.
And at 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, he’s also big enough and physical enough to play at or near the line of scrimmage and mix it up with tight ends and even offensive linemen.
Despite missing almost four full games with an ankle injury, Emmanwori has thrust himself in the Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation with his play since returning from that high-ankle sprain he suffered early in Seattle’s opener.
After last Sunday’s standout performance, Emmanwori now has nine passes defensed, five tackles for loss, 53 total tackles, an interception and 1.5 sacks, not to mention the blocked field goal.
“Tremendous game,” head coach Mike Macdonald said. “We gave out some game balls, and he got one of the game balls. I’m really happy for him. He’s worked his tail off. He really has. He does it every day. He’s a tremendous asset for us. Obviously when we’re utilizing him, when we’re playing him against 13 personnel in the area, he’s throwing his stuff in there. I’m happy for him, and he’s got a great attitude. Happy for him. He deserves it.”
