Emerson grew up in Pensacola, Florida and attended Pine Forest High School.

[2] Emerson was rated a three-star recruit and committed to play college football at Mississippi State over offers from Miami, Oregon and Ole Miss.

[3] Emerson played in all 13 of Mississippi State's games with five starts in his freshman season.

[5][6] Pro Football Focus rated Emerson the seventh-best cornerback in coverage in the nation and named him an honorable mention All-American.

[7] Emerson was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 68th overall pick in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft.