2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Demetrius Salley Jr, LB, Frostburg State University

• Name: Demetrius Salley Jr
• Position: LB
• Height: 6’0”
• Weight:195 lbs
• X(Twitter): @meechns
• Instagram: @demetriusns

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

I wanted to challenge myself. As a kid I was always very smart in school but I wasn’t the biggest or strongest kid on the team. I wanted to show even being undersized I can play and dominate consistently. Being able to use my IQ, speed, and strength with a smaller frame showed that I can do anything as long as I believe in it.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Being named First Team All Conference my sophomore year. Beating a D3 Top 25 team my Junior year. And being able to transfer to a D2 school. All these moments showed me that with God anything is possible. You just have to believe and keep pursuing.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

I’m looking for the ability to keep competing. At any level. Just allowing me the opportunity to showcase my experience and skillset.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?

Currently I think it would be Jameis Winston or Geno Smith. They’re constant faith in God and their ability to keep pursuing even if they have minor setbacks in their careers. They never lost sight in the goal of playing and competing.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

My entire family inspires me I could never pick just one. From my dad who constantly holds me in high regard for my competitive attitude. To my mom who shows me the peace between the trials and tribulations in life. My siblings who look up to me to keep pushing towards my dreams. And my extended family who have never lost faith in me and constantly prays for my success.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

My favorite scheme is a 3-4. It’s what I played in most of my career and excel in. Being able to be a down linebacker to help in pass rush. But athletic enough to drop back in coverage or down into man over a slot or TE. I’ve been able to showcase my ability in this scheme. Especially in heavy pass scenarios.

What should we know about Demetrius Salley Jr the person?

As a person I love to compete but I also love to learn. All my previous coaches would tell you how much I love to study film and different offensive schemes and personnel. I believe I have a great defensive mindset especially with playing all levels on the defense side of the ball. I undestand different fits, coverages, snd etc.

What stands out about your film the most?

I think the main thing you’ll see in my film is the speed and ability to play multiple positions. At every level I have shown I am able to beat opposing lineman with speed and technique. There are multiple clips with me in depth or at the line. Or even making plays on special teams. I have played and excelled at multiple positions.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I handle challenges by breaking them down and looking at every detail to make the best possible solution. In life and in football I try to be very methodical in everything I do.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A high level competitor and a high IQ football player. I compete against myself everyday to become the best I can be knowing that I have yet to reach that peak. I’m still just a young man trying to play football and win games.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

The uniqueness of it. I never truly understand how detailed and unique football was until college. From the schemes, the coaches, the personnel, the fits. Every program is different because every person is different and everything is catered to a coach or a type of personnel. And I love breaking it all down.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

I played with a lot of great players and I truly love every moment they each brought into my life. One underrated player I played with is Zachary Rutsch. One of my best friends to this day who always held me to my highest standard. And one of the best kickers in D3 if not all of college football. He pushed me every practice, lift, and game. He’s one of the biggest supporters in my life beyond my family.