USC’s Emmanwori, Kroeger recognized by SEC

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) – Two Gamecocks were named Players of the Week by the SEC, as announced by the conference Monday.

Safety Nick Emmanwori and punter Kai Kroeger were selected as the SEC Defensive Player of the Week and SEC Special Teams Player of the Week, respectively, following their contributions to a 31-6 South Carolina win at Kentucky.

Junior Emmanwori posted a game-high seven tackles and sealed the win with his third interception in the last four games, a 24-yard pick-six in the fourth quarter. The Irmo native led a defensive unit that limited the Wildcats to just 44 passing yards and 183 total on offense.

Fifth year senior Kroeger punted five times in the win, averaging 51.6 yards with four of the five covering more than 50 yards. It is the fifth time Kroeger has earned the weekly honor during his career.

The announcement marks the second week in a row that a pair of Gamecocks earned SEC recognition after Kyle Kennard and Dylan Stewart made the cut following the season opener.

South Carolina will face another big test when they host the 16th ranked LSU Tigers at Williams-Brice Stadium Saturday, September 14 at 12 p.m.

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