The Players Corner-Demetrius Garland, Safety, Clearwater High

The Players corner is a fun series where I get to sit down and interview prospects in the Bay Area. It’s a fun way to get to know some of these players outside of just evaluating them. We at Prep Redzone Florida want to bring you all-access into these players, it’s important to get to know them as individuals and what makes them great on the field! This series will give you the ability to get under the helmet and see what makes these prospects click and gives you behind the scenes coverage.   Demetrius Garland is one of the best safety prospects in Pinellas County. I wrote an article back in July about under the radar safety prospects and Demetrius one of the players I spotlighted! Demetrius is a natural hunter in the run game, hits like a linebacker, and drives through the ball carrier. Plays close to the box and shows tremendous hustle, chasing plays down. Shows good awareness and ability in man coverage and always seems to be in the right spot. Garland is an outstanding prospect and plays for one of the top schools and Coach in Pinellas.   Demetrius Garland, Safety, Clearwater High School Height-6’0 Weight-207 Film: https://www.hudl.com/profile/10826715/Demetrius-Garland-Jr   Talk about your junior season. What did you learn from it? My junior season was fun, I miss the guys from last year, we had a squad, and we made each other better every day. I learned more to be a leader and I am carrying that out this year on and off the field.   What position are you focused on this season? I played safety last season and recorded 57 tackles 3 tfl 1 sack, this season I’m more focused on Nickel position this year and I’ll also be back deep at safety when needed.   Who is your biggest role model and guide in your life? I’d have to say, my dad; makes sure I do everything correctly and makes sure I push myself to the absolute max, can’t settle for good or great. Settle for extraordinary.   What are the biggest strengths of your game currently? Biggest weaknesses?  I’d have to say my press man currently, not a lot of film on me playing man coverage but believe me, being shutdown is my game. My biggest weakness is forcing turnovers, no matter how hard I hit somebody or bait the QB I just don’t get forced turnovers lol.   What colleges have looked at you in terms of interest and offers as a rising senior? Western Kentucky, UAB, Tennessee State, Ut Martin, Middle Tennessee, UNC Charlotte, Notre Dame (OH), Keiser, FAMU, and Austin Peay.   Talk about what it was like to play Coach Mesick? I love playing for coach Mesick (Head Coach) and coach Scargle (Defensive Coach), we have a lot of fun but when it’s time to work, it’s time to work. They are the type of coaches that will push you past your limit and won’t stop until you succeed to the next level or until we have that state title.   What's it been like trying to prepare for the season with all the COVID issues? It hasn’t been too much of a change, just social distancing rules we have to follow, and we have to make sure other teams are doing the same so that we have a season and so everyone stays safe.  Conditioning has been more important, some of us have not done anything because of the pandemic but we push ourselves to get back in shape.   Personally, what is your ultimate goal with the game of football whether it be on the field or off of it? My ultimate goal is to make it to the NFL. I see myself getting closer and closer to that goal each and every day, in the classroom and on the field. I won’t stop until I reach that goal.   Quick hitters about Demetrius: Favorite player to watch: Lamar Jackson, he is from my hometown, we wear the same number and he is just electrifying. Look forward to watching every snap. Playlist before games: Lil Baby always before games   You Can Contact Shannon Jordan with a prospect or team information on Twitter @in_huddle or shannon.jordan.ib@gmail.com