Tonka Hemingway is a 6'3", 290-pound defensive tackle from Conway, South Carolina, who declared for the 2025 NFL Draft after a standout career at the University of South Carolina. Over five seasons with the Gamecocks, Hemingway appeared in all 61 games, starting 28, and recorded 17.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 11 pass breakups, 19 quarterback hurries, and six fumble recoveries. In his final season (2024), he earned third-team All-SEC honors, recording 25 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, 6 quarterback hurries, two fumble recoveries, a pass breakup, and a forced fumble. Notably, he returned a fumble 36 yards for a touchdown against Oklahoma and had a season-high four tackles, including a sack and a forced fumble, against Texas A&M. Hemingway was also recognized for his academic and community service achievements, receiving the Harold White GPA Award for defense and the Gamecock Toughness Award.
A three-sport athlete in high school, Hemingway excelled in football, basketball, and baseball at Conway High School. He was named first-team all-state in football and was a finalist for the Watkins Award, recognizing top African American male scholar-athletes. At South Carolina, he continued to demonstrate versatility and leadership, contributing both on and off the field. His combination of size, strength, and experience makes him a promising prospect for NFL teams seeking a reliable and adaptable defensive lineman.
