Draft Buzz: Catching up with TCU RB Emari Demercado

TCU running back Emari Demercado has not had much draft buzz, but he is becoming a name NFL personnel need to keep an eye on. Blessed with a strong base, quick feet, and great vision, the California native has all the tools to be a break-out star. I had the honor of sitting with the Junior from Inglewood and asked him about his playing style? I also asked him what it is like playing in the Big-12? Before I spoke with Emari, I spoke with my scouting source and watched some film on the underrated runner.

“The kid is a fun player to watch, and I was surprised he landed in Texas after watching his high school film. When you have a guy with his type of talent, you can’t let him out of the state of California. His film is good, and while you would like to see more, he has talent. Not that it’s his fault, the team (TCU) seems to like to change out the backs rapidly. He doesn’t seem to get going. I feel like a running back needs to take hits and get more reps to get it going. I will say from what I saw, Emari can do it all. He has a strong lower half, as you can see with his legs churning. He has a real punch to his style. He can take contact and keep going. He has a natural speed to him. He can also catch passes and block. The kid has the talent and the mindset to be a bell-cow, but he hasn’t had the reps. Still, he has done well with what he has. I think the kid can be a legit prospect, someone who can play this game.” 

When you put on the film, Demercado pops out. He has such natural skills as a runner, as well as in the passing game. I asked him what he felt he needed to work on, and the pressures of playing in the Big-12?

“Right now, I know I have work to do, but I know my capability. As far as my playing style, I am a guy that works all the time. I work my butt off and trying to get better. I know I have speed and can hit and all that. I know I have some ability and can be a guy that my team can lean on. I will work on getting better every single day. I feel you can improve all your skills, and you have to work on them. I feel like, even if I was the best running back I would still want to work on my skill set.”

Moving forward he spoke about the pressures of playing in the Big-12.

“Honestly, I don’t feel any pressure or extra stress playing here. I think at the end of the day it’s football! No matter where you play. The Big-12 has a lot of talent, and tons of guys get drafted, but if you are good, they will find you, no matter where you play. So as far as pressure, I don’t have that problem. I feel as long as you do your job and get your work done, you’ll be fine. I am trying to get better and getting better I will be fine.”

Like I always say, just put on the tape and decide for yourself. The draft buzz on Emari Demercado isn’t booming just yet. Give it time, and watch how this talent will rise to the top.