The journey from college standout to NFL mainstay is rarely linear, especially for undrafted players who often begin at the bottom of the depth chart, battling uphill to even make a practice squad. But for former South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Bam Martin-Scott, the odds seem to be bending ever so slightly in his favor. A name not called during the 2025 NFL Draft, Martin-Scott has nonetheless emerged as one of the most intriguing undrafted free agents on the Carolina Panthers’ training camp roster. And while roster spots are notoriously difficult to come by for players in his position, insiders and coaches alike are beginning to believe that the former Gamecock may just stick around longer than anyone anticipated.
Martin-Scott’s rise began not with flashy draft-day theatrics, but with quiet consistency, relentless effort, and an underdog mentality forged over years of being overlooked. Coming into the University of South Carolina, he wasn’t one of the most heralded recruits. Yet he carved out a role for himself on defense and special teams, showing flashes of versatility, burst, and football IQ. It wasn’t always about leading the team in tackles or headlining highlight reels. Instead, it was about doing the dirty work, staying coachable, and delivering in critical moments. Those qualities have quickly earned him admirers in the Panthers’ building.
Carolina’s current linebacker room is in flux. While veterans like Shaq Thompson provide a steady hand and leadership presence, injuries and inconsistency have plagued the group in recent seasons. The Panthers are actively retooling their defensive identity under head coach Dave Canales and defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. They need players who bring both hunger and adaptability. That’s precisely where Martin-Scott slots in. Though not the biggest or fastest linebacker in camp, what he lacks in elite measurables he makes up for in recognition, positioning, and physicality.
During early training camp sessions, Martin-Scott has consistently flashed during 11-on-11 periods. He’s shown quick diagnostic skills, particularly in run fits and underneath zone coverage. He’s not biting on misdirection, and he’s demonstrating an instinctual sense of when to scrape across the line or settle into a passing lane. His former coaches at South Carolina long praised his film study habits and attention to technique, and those strengths are translating against NFL competition. He’s also made an impression during special teams drills, an area where UDFAs can often secure their ticket to the 53-man roster.
Panthers special teams coordinator Tracy Smith has gone out of his way to point out Martin-Scott’s willingness to do “whatever it takes” — whether that’s racing downfield on kickoff coverage, absorbing double teams on punt return, or working after hours to refine footwork. In a league where margins are razor-thin, that kind of all-in mentality doesn’t go unnoticed. In fact, it might be the very edge that gives Martin-Scott a leg up on other fringe roster players who may be more talented on paper but less committed to the grind.
The linebacker has also drawn comparisons to former NFL success stories like Frankie Luvu, another under-the-radar player who carved out a key role on Carolina’s defense after going undrafted. Like Luvu, Martin-Scott combines chip-on-the-shoulder motivation with a high motor and a love for contact. Teammates have started to take notice, and his locker room presence — though quiet — has reportedly become a source of motivation for younger players and fellow UDFAs trying to emulate his focus and energy.
What makes Martin-Scott’s rise even more compelling is the context of Carolina’s current rebuilding phase. The Panthers are not in a position to waste roster spots. With rookie quarterback Bryce Young entering a critical developmental year and a revamped coaching staff trying to establish a new culture, the team has little room for passengers. Every player who makes the final roster will need to contribute, either in rotation or in the hidden third phase of the game. That puts a player like Martin-Scott in a unique position. His ability to plug into various linebacker packages while also offering special teams value could make him a utility piece that coaches don’t want to let walk.
Moreover, Martin-Scott’s mindset appears unshakable. When asked by local reporters about his status as an underdog, he responded with clarity: “That’s been my whole life. Nothing’s ever been handed to me. I just keep showing up.” It’s a quote that resonates with many of the coaches and front office personnel, particularly in an organization trying to regain its footing after several years of roster turbulence and underperformance.
The preseason will serve as the real litmus test. While Martin-Scott has impressed in camp, game speed and live reps will reveal whether his instincts and physicality hold up against opposing offenses. His ability to execute in preseason matchups — especially in the second half when the majority of the evaluation for UDFAs occurs — will be critical. Coaches will look for discipline, burst, and mental resilience. Can he cover tight ends up the seam? Can he contain mobile quarterbacks? Can he recover after a missed assignment and respond with a solid next play?
If the early signs are any indication, Martin-Scott is ready to answer those questions. Coaches have reportedly praised his sponge-like retention of the playbook and his willingness to seek out feedback from veterans and positional coaches. He’s often among the last to leave the practice field, replaying reps in his head and running through additional drills with assistants.
That drive is rooted in something deeper than just football. Friends and former teammates describe Martin-Scott as someone who never forgets where he came from — a tight-knit family in an under-recruited pocket of South Carolina, where work ethic was more than a virtue; it was survival. His path through high school and into the SEC wasn’t guaranteed, and his journey to the NFL has been just as winding. But that background fuels his resolve. He’s not playing just for himself. He’s representing every overlooked athlete who ever wondered if they’d get a shot.
As the Panthers’ coaching staff inches closer to final roster decisions, Martin-Scott’s name continues to come up in internal meetings. He’s not guaranteed a spot, but he’s giving the decision-makers a lot to think about. It’s rare for undrafted free agents to make an immediate leap into meaningful playing time, but even rarer still is the type of player who forces coaches to reevaluate their depth chart expectations based on effort, execution, and consistency alone.
Should he make the 53-man roster, it will be a victory not only for Martin-Scott but also for the Panthers, who may have uncovered a hidden gem without burning a draft pick. If not, it’s hard to imagine him not finding a home on the practice squad or eventually landing with another team willing to bet on his upside and grit. Either way, his journey from South Carolina Gamecock to NFL hopeful is a powerful reminder of what can happen when preparation meets opportunity.
In a league where dreams are fragile and windows are narrow, Bam Martin-Scott is making sure his shot doesn’t go to waste. Whether it’s a roster spot or just another down to prove himself, he’s treating every snap like it could be his last — and that mindset might just make all the difference.
