Name: Demetrius Salley Jr
Position: Hybrid Safety/Outside Linebacker
School: Stevenson University and Frostburg State
HT/WT: 6’0 200
X: @meechns
Instagram: @demetriusns
Achievements:
– Special Teams Player of the Year 2021
– 1st Team MAC All-Conference 2021
– 2nd Team D3 All-Region 2021
– D3 Team of the Week LB 2023
– #2 D3 Transfer LB 2024
How’d you end up at your current school? What was the recruiting process like?
I joined the recruiting process late, so I was trying to connect with coaches through email and other recruiting websites. I am very blessed to be offered by Stevenson so late in the process. And then after my undergraduate degree, I made the decision to try and go to a higher level and while I was contacted by multiple D2 and some D1 schools I believed Frostburg State was the best decision for me.
What gives you an advantage over other athletes at your position?
My speed and adaptability. Throughout my college career, I have been asked to play multiple positions on the defensive side of the ball and also on special teams.
What does being a student of a game mean to you?
Constantly studying to better understand but also to implement new things no one has done before. My biggest asset was being a more athletic, faster, stand-up end. That can play man coverage or drop back into a deep third. I had to learn about playing man and reading guards, then learning how to read tackle’s intentions as a d end. Being a student truly means constantly learning every asset of the game.
How does being a hybrid linebacker reflect itself in your personal life?
It helped my communication improve in my job and with my friends. And improved my ability to think through situations and then find the best way to solve them.
How would you describe your work ethic?
My work ethic is almost aggressive, I believe in completing the task no matter the obstacles in front in the best way possible. Once I usually set my mind to something I go do it.
What do you consider to be one of the more important things you learned from the coaching staff?
Preparation and attention to detail win games. Always be one step ahead of your competition and understand situations, tells, and players you should always be accounted for.
What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment in your sports career so far?
Getting first-team recognition my first year playing college football
How did you hear about the National Scouting Combine?
Through a coach of mine. Coach Kal-El Statham.
Why did you choose the National Scouting Combine?
I believe this is the best opportunity to showcase my talents. I have also had some former teammates participate and give great reviews as well.
What do you hope to show people at the combine?
My ability to compete. I may not have the ideal size but I play perform better than those who do.
What was your Major?
Cybersecurity/Digital Forensics
If you could make a positive impact on all of society what would it be and why?
I am a big supporter of mental health and I believe there needs to be more opportunities for people to access those support systems. Especially college athletes who deal with stress from their personal lives, sports, and academics every day.
What is something unique about you that people would find interesting?
I didn’t start playing football until my junior year of high school really, I just wasn’t that interested until one day I decided to give it a try.
If you had the opportunity to play another sport professionally, what sport would you choose?
I would play Lacrosse, I loved playing in high school but sadly it got cut short due to COVID. Another physical and teamwork-based sport that I never got to truly experience.
Are you involved in mentoring, a charity or do you “give back” or “pay it forward” in your community?
I volunteer at my local church, Redeeming Life Ministries International. I have been an active volunteer there for most of my life.