The 2026 Panini Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to showcase themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. Stephen F. Austin cornerback Charles Demmings plans on taking full advantage. Demmings recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Demmings also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, making history at Stephen F. Austin, how he’d write his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Demmings better ahead of his journey to the Panini Senior Bowl.
JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite, and what was your initial reaction?
Charles Demmings: I was at practice. I found out about my Senior Bowl invite after practice. We always huddle up after practice to get the coaching announcements. He said he had a special announcement.
He announced I was the first player in program history to get a Senior Bowl invite. It was crazy (laughs). They handed me the invite. I gave a speech in front of the team. It was a very wholesome moment. I was surrounded by love, my teammates and staff. The program molded me.
JM: Wow, that’s an incredible story. I imagine you’re heading to Mobile with a chip on your shoulder.
Charles Demmings: I most definitely am. I’ve always had that chip on my shoulder. Getting that Senior Bowl invite was a God-empowering moment. A couple of years ago, I wasn’t even playing football. I was mowing grass with my dad on Saturdays instead of playing football (laughs).
We had this little lawn moving company. I went from that to playing football on Saturday, and now I’ve accepted an invite to the Senior Bowl. It’s definitely been a God-empowering moment. Surrendering my life to my faith has worked miracles for me. I’ve kept faith in a bigger plan for me.
It’s another opportunity for me to strap on the cleats, another platform for me to give thanks for my blessings.
JM: We couldn’t be any happier for you. What are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Charles Demmings: I want everybody to see that I’m no different from the players who wear an SEC helmet. I can match the level of talent of cornerbacks who are in those NFL facilities as we speak.
I can play with the best of the best at the highest level. I want to prove that I’m one of the best, and I will be the best version of myself every time I put on my cleats. It doesn’t matter if it’s an FCS, FBS, or NFL receiver. I will be me, and I will shine in those environments.
JM: We’re excited for you to make a good impression at the Senior Bowl. How would you write your own scouting report? Self-scout yourself for us. What are your standout traits and abilities at cornerback?
Charles Demmings: I’m a low-maintenance guy. I play with terrific poise and resilience. I make those game-winning plays. Not only am I always the best version of myself, but I also bring the best out of my teammates as well.
I have great versatility. I’m a fast cornerback with the speed to match receivers. I’m able to play press-man coverage at the line of scrimmage. I can win a rep right there.
If I do happen to lose a rep, I have that dry-erase memory, so it won’t affect the next play. I’m always able to bounce back and combat a bad rep by making a great play.
JM: You’re a dog on tape. You had four interceptions on play and registered 35 career pass breakups. You have legitimate ball skills.
Charles Demmings: I’m technically sound first and foremost. I never press or get anxious when it comes to making plays. I play within my technique. I play a team sport. It’s not just about me. I have 10 teammates doing their job and I execute one of 11.
We’re each doing our job. I have the utmost respect and confidence in my teammates. If we all take care of our responsibilities, I know I’m going to get opportunities to make plays. That comes with getting incrementally better every year. That’s what I’ve done.
I’ve become a more technically sound and efficient player. I have terrific situational awareness. Film study too, man. Playing cornerback, it’s a reactive game for us.
The receiver knows what he’s doing, but I don’t. I have to read and react, but that’s where film study, technique, and mental preparation come into play. Preparation prevents poor performance. I want to know as much as I can going into every game.
I watch film. I want to know what a receiver and the offense are doing. That has helped me a lot when it comes to developing my skill set on the field.
JM: This has been an outstanding conversation. We’ve appreciated your time today. At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Charles Demmings?
Charles Demmings: It means I was the best version of myself. It means I created relationships with my teammates. I want to ace the interview process as well and have successful interviews with area scouts and coaches.
I’m going to trust my faith and use my platform to serve others the best way I can.