From Mesquite to NFL Draft: Charles Demmings' Journey

0:00On April 7, Charles Demings grew up hustling in Mesquitex's, working two jobs and even starting a lawnmowing business by age 13. This 15-year-old kid was all-energy, no direction, until he tagged along to his older brother's football practice, his freshman year at Horn High, school. Coaches spotted his raw speed right away and predicted he'd make it big. High school wasn't smooth though. Demings tried football, showed explosion as a runner, but quit after freshman year feeling lost. His coaches kept pushing, showing up daily with tough love until he returned his junior year. He switched to defensive back, earned all district track honors too, and landed a scholarship to Steven F. Austin despite limited tape. At SFA, Demings blew up over three seasons with eight interceptions, fifteen past breakups, and a school record thirty-five career past breakups. He led them to an eleven and three record, a conference title, and their best win total since 1995. Became an FCS, all American, and a leader who put team first.

1:03This year, he was the only FCS player at the Senior Bowl, and one of eight at the NFL Combine, running a 4.4 140 yard dash at six. Feet one, 193 pounds, with a top relative athletic score for defensive backs, tears hit when he saw his name top the list. Now eyeing the 2026 NFL draft, Demings skipped transfer portal cash for loyalty to SFA, building a legacy like other FCS stars. He's locked in, faith driven, turning boy to man's speed into pro potential. I'm Cory with the story, and you've been listening to NFL News Today, AI-powered football coverage.