South Carolina defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway is among the most productive and experienced interior defenders in the SEC. A constant presence, Hemingway totaled 12.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks across his previous two seasons. He should experience an even better campaign in 2024.
Hemingway recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his recent performances, the best game he's played in a South Carolina jersey, positional versatility, and more.
JM: You've been productive these past two seasons, totaling 12.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. How do you reflect on these last two campaigns?
Tonka Hemingway: I owe it to my teammates first and foremost. They believe in my ability to make plays. I’ve put the work in. It’s about showing up ready to be your best self every single day. I’m going to continue putting forth maximum effort for this team. I want to help us win.
JM: Going into 2024, your fifth year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 waiver, how do you build on that and take another step?
Tonka Hemingway: It’s about working on the things I need to get better at. I’m taking notes. I’m listening to the coaching staff and working on the little things. I know what I need to get better at. If I do that, I can do a better job helping our team. We have high expectations for ourselves in 2024.
You know how you watch one guy, another guy stands out, you start watching his tape, and it's like... WHOA?
— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) May 1, 2023
I give you South Carolina DL Tonka Hemingway (91). pic.twitter.com/XChVk2XW7k
JM: How are you stepping up as a vocal leader in the locker room as one of the veteran players?
Tonka Hemingway: I’m taking things one day at a time. I’m not a vocal rah-rah guy. I rather lead by example. I’m taking the young guys to the side of the field, though, talking to them, making sure I’m helping them do things the right way.
Those freshmen and sophomores, I want to make sure they’re going down the right path.
JM: You've been versatile enough to play both inside and on the edge at South Carolina. I believe playing inside is your most natural position, but how do you feel about it?
Tonka Hemingway: I enjoy playing both positions. They both feel pretty natural to me. But yeah, I get that a lot, most people think I’m more of a defensive tackle. I’ve been coached for a longer period of time to play on the interior.
Playing the edge was new to me. I’ve only been coached on the edge for like one year. I’ve been playing on the inside for a long time, way before college. That’s where I feel most comfortable.
But I’ve enjoyed the process of learning to play defensive end. It’s been a fun experience.
If NFL free agency has taught us anything this offseason it’s how much front offices value athletic DTs who can rush the QB.
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) July 17, 2023
Same applies to how teams value that third-down skill-set in draft so one sleeper name to remember for next April is @GamecockFB DT Tonka Hemingway.… pic.twitter.com/WBNEHyXGlZ
JM: Which defensive linemen do you like to study and watch?
Tonka Hemingway: Shoot, a lot of them (laughs). I especially love watching Aaron Donald and Chris Jones. Denico Autry is another guy I’ve always enjoyed studying. Anyone I can learn something from, I’m going to watch that player. Even nose tackles, that’s not my natural position, but I watch them as well.
JM: Denico Autry is an interesting shout because he’s played both inside and outside in the NFL like you’re doing at South Carolina. How would you describe your pass rush arsenal? What are your go-to moves and counters?
Tonka Hemingway: I like to get to my swipe. I use a lot of head movements to try to get past the blocker. I want them to set their feet early so I can just blow past them.
JM: What's the best game you've played in a South Carolina jersey?
Tonka Hemingway: That’s a great question. Against the run, I’d probably say Florida 2022. I showed great technique in the run game in that one. I had some plays here and there, but I was pretty consistent. I played the run well.
As a pass rusher, I would say Tennessee 2022.
JM: You're from Conway, South Carolina. This is your fifth year at the program. What does representing this great school mean to you?
Tonka Hemingway: Yeah, it means the world to me. It’s year five. I was born and raised here. I have a lot of love for South Carolina, and I’m making sure I’m spreading that through the program.
I’m in love with South Carolina. I can’t wait to go out there one more time with my brothers. I’m ready for the grind. I’m going to help everybody on this team.
JM: We've appreciated your time today. In closing, what are your goals for the 2024 season?
Tonka Hemingway: My overall goal is to better myself and the program. I’m going to take care of my teammates this season. We’re going to help this team win a lot of games.
