South Carolina’s David Bucey on What the Gamecocks Can Do to Step Up Without Nick Emmanwori: ‘It’s All About the Ball’
The South Carolina Gamecocks football program received a tough blow this offseason with the news that standout safety Nick Emmanwori will be sidelined for the start of the 2025 campaign due to an injury sustained during summer workouts. As one of the defensive cornerstones and a vocal leader on the field, Emmanwori’s absence has left a significant void in the Gamecocks’ secondary — one that must now be filled by emerging players looking to step into bigger roles.
Among those rising voices is sophomore linebacker and hybrid defensive back David Bucey, who has quickly gained respect within the locker room and coaching staff for his maturity, football IQ, and relentless work ethic. As preseason camp heats up and attention turns to the season opener, Bucey isn’t shying away from the challenge. In fact, he’s leaning into it with one key message: “It’s all about the ball.”
Next Man Up Mentality
Speaking to reporters following the team’s scrimmage this week, Bucey addressed the situation with poise. “Losing Nick is huge,” he acknowledged. “He’s one of the most instinctive players we have, and he brings energy every time he steps on the field. But we’re a team, and we’ve got to respond. It’s all about the ball — getting it back, protecting it, and doing whatever it takes to win.”
That mantra — “it’s all about the ball” — has become a rallying cry for the Gamecocks’ defensive unit as they adjust to life without one of their best players. According to Bucey, it’s a mindset that goes beyond tackling or coverage assignments. It’s about creating opportunities, forcing turnovers, making timely stops, and being relentless every down.
“You look at the best defenses in the SEC, and what sets them apart isn’t just speed or strength,” Bucey said. “It’s their ability to change the game with takeaways. That’s where our focus is now — being ball hawks, being aggressive, and making smart, physical plays.”
Bucey Embracing Leadership Role
Though still early in his college career, Bucey is already stepping into a leadership role — especially among the younger defensive backs. A versatile defender capable of playing at linebacker depth or rotating into the nickel, Bucey has impressed coaches with his film study, communication skills, and ability to adapt.
“He’s a coach on the field,” said defensive coordinator Clayton White. “David may not have the raw physical tools Nick [Emmanwori] has, but he makes up for it with intelligence, effort, and heart. He’s someone who holds teammates accountable and leads by example.”
The Gamecocks’ coaching staff has been experimenting with various personnel combinations to make up for Emmanwori’s absence. That includes using Bucey in hybrid coverage roles, increasing reps for veterans like DQ Smith and Keenan Nelson Jr., and bringing up younger talents from the 2024 recruiting class.
“It’s going to be by committee,” Bucey said. “No one guy replaces Nick, but together, we can hold the line. Everyone’s got to elevate their game.”
Defensive Identity in Transition
South Carolina’s defense in 2024 was a rollercoaster — with flashes of brilliance mixed with frustrating lapses. They showed growth in their ability to rush the passer and disrupt opposing quarterbacks, but inconsistencies in the secondary often proved costly in SEC play. Losing a physical enforcer like Emmanwori could exacerbate those challenges unless the unit rallies behind a clear identity.
That’s where Bucey’s voice is becoming crucial.
“We’ve been talking about being turnover machines,” he said. “If we get the ball back for our offense two or three extra times a game, that’s a game-changer. That’s how we beat ranked teams. That’s how we make a bowl. That’s how we build something.”
During spring and early summer workouts, South Carolina placed increased emphasis on turnover drills, situational awareness, and mental discipline. Bucey has reportedly excelled in strip fumble drills and route recognition — something that’s earned him increased snaps in both 7-on-7 and full-team drills.
Eyes on the Opener and Beyond
The Gamecocks open the season with a challenging non-conference game against a surging North Carolina State team, followed quickly by their SEC opener against Georgia. With Emmanwori expected to miss several early games, the pressure is on for the defense to hold the line and avoid falling into an early-season hole.
Bucey, however, remains confident in what the group can accomplish.
“We’re not here to make excuses,” he said. “We’re here to compete. We’ve got dogs in that locker room. We’ve got guys who are hungry. This is South Carolina football. We fight.”
He also credited head coach Shane Beamer for keeping the locker room focused and unified during a challenging offseason. “Coach Beamer always tells us, ‘Next man up, and next level up.’ That’s what we’re doing. We’re not just filling a spot — we’re raising the standard.”
Looking Ahead
As fall camp continues and rosters take shape, David Bucey’s emergence as both a reliable contributor and vocal leader will be key to South Carolina’s success on the defensive side of the ball. With Nick Emmanwori sidelined, Bucey and his teammates are being handed a moment to define themselves — not just as replacements, but as playmakers in their own right.
If Bucey’s attitude and intensity are any indication, the Gamecocks defense may be down a star, but they are far from down for the count. For them, the mission is clear.
“It’s all about the ball,” Bucey repeated. “And we’re coming for it.”