NFL DraftProspect Interviews

2022 NFL Prospect Interview: Demingus Wilson, DL, South Carolina State

Demingus Wilson DL South Carolina State 2022 NFL Draft
Demingus Wilson is a long agile defensive lineman for South Carolina State. He recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.
  • Name: Demingus Wilson
  • Height: 6’5”
  • Weight: 290 lbs.
  • Position: DL
  • College: South Carolina State University
  • Twitter: Dee_Wil86
  • Instagram: Dee_Wil86

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
My major is Accounting. My experience as a student has so far been amazing. I’ve been able to relate to the professors well and receive outside help when needed. I’ve had nothing but growth since coming to South Carolina State. Being a student athlete has allowed me to connect with other people and open up many doors.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
As far as physical attributes, I’ve got good speed and agility for an athlete of my size and length. I’m a motivator that stays positive on and off the field. I keep the mindset of a leader and set an example for others.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I’m one of the older players, so I’ve accepted the role as a leader. In our scheme, I play inside and outside on the defensive line. I mainly play as the run stopper coming off the edge. Although, I have shown versatility playing all along the defensive line. I likely project to the next level as a 3-tech.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Jah-Maine Martin has been a tough RB to tackle at NC A&T. He moves well and has a high motor. He’s elusive, strong and secures the ball well.

Ryan Stanley was a phenomenal QB that played for Florida A&M. He usually got the ball where it had to be.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Rod Perry is a unique talent that transferred to Illinois. He’s very explosive and has crazy hand movement. He’s a high motor athlete with a great mindset. As a teammate, he was always uplifting and tried to push you to be your best. He was positive both on and off the field.

Decobie Durant is also a positive teammate who works very hard. He gets counted out because he’s not the biggest guy, but he is able to make a lot of great plays. He’s also a man of faith that remains humble.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
The recruiting process from high school was a challenge. My sophomore year was going well, I had many programs interested in me and had even attended a camp. After that football season, I had gotten into a fight, was kicked off the basketball team and had gotten suspended. Needless to say, that really affected my college prospects.

My 11th grade year, my mom took me out of every sport except for JV basketball. I know I wasn’t out there progressing and getting noticed by scouts, although I didn’t see eye-to-eye with my professors at the time. My senior year, I went back to playing both basketball and football. For a while there, I wasn’t getting any offers. South Carolina State came to one of my games and offered me a scholarship. I was happy that they believed in me and wanted me for their program. I decided that I was going to stay positive and turn my life around for the better.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Basketball. I played varsity basketball as a senior in high school and even had a few D2 offers.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m very proud that I was able to get a scholarship and come to South Carolina State. I’ll be the 1st generation to have graduated from college. Where I come from, a lot of people don’t make it out, go to school and make something of themselves. I have a chance to do a lot, and I’m not taking that for granted.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
In 2019, we were playing against Florida A&M. I had just come back from thumb surgery on my right hand. I was supposed to be out for 6 weeks, but I had returned in 2 weeks with a club on my hand. I had one of the best games of my life with 4 TFLs which is something that I’m really proud of since I was coming back from an injury.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
My favorite player is Darious Leonard. He is a personal friend of mine. Yet, I also love how he plays the game. He’s small, but very athletic and a maniac on the field. It’s guys like him that prove that you can accomplish anything that you set your mind to.

I also really respect and admire athletes like Aaron Donald, Chase Young and JJ Watt.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite artist is Lil Baby. I like to listen to his song “Grace” before games.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Anything my grandmother cooks is my comfort food. She makes everything look like she’s a top chef. I always like her grits, eggs and sausage.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
One of the TV shows that I like is Aaahh!!! Real Monsters. I really like cartoons and Anime. One of my favorite Animes is Dragon Slayer. Kevin Hart is a very funny comedian that I really like.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
In my spare time, I love to paint using multiple different canvases. That’s mainly what I do outside of football. Otherwise, besides working out, I’ll hang out with my friends and play basketball.

Demingus Wilson posing in front of some of his best artwork.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I play football because it’s my escape. Whenever I’m playing, it takes a lot of stress off me, and I don’t have to worry about life’s issues. Football is where I can release all of my built up energy and emotions. It’s almost a form of meditation.

My family motivates me the most. I want to see them happy, and don’t like seeing them struggle. I want them to be proud of me. And if I’m able to change their situation, I’m willing to make all of the necessary sacrifices.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Back to top button