Ben DeMeulenaere, DB, Central College | 2026 NFL Draft Prospect Zoom Interview
Ben DeMeulenaere is a standout defensive back from Central College whose production, accolades, and physical profile set him apart from typical small-school prospects. A 2025 First Team All-Conference selection and team captain, he became one of the American Rivers Conference’s most impactful defenders, finishing his career with 139 tackles, 30 pass defenses, 6 interceptions, and 3 blocked kicks, all kick blocks coming in his senior season. His signature performance against Dubuque earned D3Football Team of the Week honors after posting nine tackles, a blocked extra point, and a game-sealing interception. He also established himself as a premier special teams contributor capable of delivering game-changing plays.
As a pro prospect, DeMeulenaere offers a rare blend of size, athleticism, and versatility. Standing 6-foot-3, 205 pounds with 33 1/8-inch arms, he has ideal length to disrupt receivers in press coverage and contest throws. He recently showcased his abilities as one of the top-performing defensive players at the National Scouting Combine, exhibiting explosiveness with a 36.5″ vertical and 10’8″ broad jump. On film, he shows positional flexibility across the secondary, disciplined zone awareness, physical man coverage, and reliable tackling in space. With proven leadership, football intelligence, and special teams value, DeMeulenaere projects as a legitimate professional prospect with multi-phase impact potential.
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