Photo by: Erika Cruz
Combine Charlie: Demmings in Indy as Draft Evaluation Opportunities Continue for All-American DB
2/25/2026 10:49:00 AM | Football
Former Lumberjack in the midst of busy spring with April's draft looming
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Former Stephen F. Austin All-American defensive back Charles Demmings takes another massive step in his professional football journey on Friday afternoon inside Lucas Oil Stadium as the Texan is set to showcase his skills at the 2026 National Football League Scouting Combine. Demmings' DB group, which is matched up with the participating tight ends, is set for on-field and position specific drills from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. (CT) and can be viewed on NFL Network and NFL+.
One of 319 prospects invited to this year's combine, and one of only eight FCS players, Demmings' time at SFA was arguably one of one. The Mesquite, Texas native took his rightful place atop the program's all-time list for passes defended with 35, and as much as his play on the field will be remembered, it was his high-character and no-nonsense leadership that defined it.
A January participant in the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl, the national hype proved real, while others learned more about the 6-1, 191 pound corner as he made his way through the week's interview process.
While talking with the Dallas Cowboys' The Draft Show, Demmings wowed those on set and evaluation gurus around the country simply by being himself. When asked what others can expect to see when they turn on the film of Chuck D:
"Man, you're going to see a guy of great poise, a guy of great resilience, a guy with dry erased memory. A bad play could come, but that bad play is going to stay in that moment. I will move on to the next moment. Not only that, you're going to see my commitment in every play. You're going to see that hustle and that grit. And you're going to be able to tell my mentality, because when I line up against a receiver, I'm okay with that being the last thing I ever do on this earth, man. I'm okay with being in cleats and being in a helmet. That's my last wardrobe choice, because that's where God put me. That's the allowance God let me have was doing that rep of football. So when I say I leave it all out there, I literally leave it all out there, man, on every rep and every step I take, man. I'm okay with doing that, because my foundation is his love. So when people turn on the tape, that's what they will see."
With his unwavering character and leadership comes a confidence that you would expect in a play-making corner. Leading up to the Senior Bowl, Demmings spoke with the Draft Network's Justin Melo. "I want everybody to see that I'm no different from the players who wear an SEC helmet. I can match the level of talent of cornerbacks who are in those NFL facilities as we speak. I can play with the best of the best at the highest level. I want to prove that I'm one of the best, and I will be the best version of myself every time I put on my cleats. It doesn't matter if it's an FCS, FBS, or NFL receiver. I will be me, and I will shine in those environments."
As a senior, Demmings held the third-highest passes defended average (1.00) in Southland Conference games this past season. He defended eight passes (3 INTs, 5 PBUs) including pass breakups in four games with two vs. McNeese. Demmings held top 10 PFF metrics among all SLC cornerbacks in COV (78.2) and OVR DEF (78.1). A vocal leader, Demmings' presence aided an SFA defense that ranked second in total defense in FCS along with a top three scoring defense and third down defense. He earned all-conference and all-American honors this past fall.
FOLLOW THE LUMBERJACKS
For all the latest information on SFA football, visit SFAjacks.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Lumberjacks on X, Instagram and Facebook.
One of 319 prospects invited to this year's combine, and one of only eight FCS players, Demmings' time at SFA was arguably one of one. The Mesquite, Texas native took his rightful place atop the program's all-time list for passes defended with 35, and as much as his play on the field will be remembered, it was his high-character and no-nonsense leadership that defined it.
Fantastic article by @AryePulliNFL on Charles Demmings and his path to the @NFL! It's amazing what can happen when you give your life to Christ and let Him take the wheel…??#AxeEm?? #EastTexasTough?? https://t.co/nH4khJOQQS
— Colby Carthel (@CoachCarthel) February 7, 2026
A January participant in the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl, the national hype proved real, while others learned more about the 6-1, 191 pound corner as he made his way through the week's interview process.
While talking with the Dallas Cowboys' The Draft Show, Demmings wowed those on set and evaluation gurus around the country simply by being himself. When asked what others can expect to see when they turn on the film of Chuck D:
"Man, you're going to see a guy of great poise, a guy of great resilience, a guy with dry erased memory. A bad play could come, but that bad play is going to stay in that moment. I will move on to the next moment. Not only that, you're going to see my commitment in every play. You're going to see that hustle and that grit. And you're going to be able to tell my mentality, because when I line up against a receiver, I'm okay with that being the last thing I ever do on this earth, man. I'm okay with being in cleats and being in a helmet. That's my last wardrobe choice, because that's where God put me. That's the allowance God let me have was doing that rep of football. So when I say I leave it all out there, I literally leave it all out there, man, on every rep and every step I take, man. I'm okay with doing that, because my foundation is his love. So when people turn on the tape, that's what they will see."
From the Piney Woods to the Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl), Charles Demmings putting in work on the national stage! ????#AxeEm x #EastTexasTough x #TheDraftStartsInMobile pic.twitter.com/xfLhIOTFgC
— Lumberjack Football (@SFA_Football) February 1, 2026
With his unwavering character and leadership comes a confidence that you would expect in a play-making corner. Leading up to the Senior Bowl, Demmings spoke with the Draft Network's Justin Melo. "I want everybody to see that I'm no different from the players who wear an SEC helmet. I can match the level of talent of cornerbacks who are in those NFL facilities as we speak. I can play with the best of the best at the highest level. I want to prove that I'm one of the best, and I will be the best version of myself every time I put on my cleats. It doesn't matter if it's an FCS, FBS, or NFL receiver. I will be me, and I will shine in those environments."
As a senior, Demmings held the third-highest passes defended average (1.00) in Southland Conference games this past season. He defended eight passes (3 INTs, 5 PBUs) including pass breakups in four games with two vs. McNeese. Demmings held top 10 PFF metrics among all SLC cornerbacks in COV (78.2) and OVR DEF (78.1). A vocal leader, Demmings' presence aided an SFA defense that ranked second in total defense in FCS along with a top three scoring defense and third down defense. He earned all-conference and all-American honors this past fall.
FOLLOW THE LUMBERJACKS
For all the latest information on SFA football, visit SFAjacks.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Lumberjacks on X, Instagram and Facebook.
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