EAGAN, Minn. — Charles Demmings' social battery never runs out.

The cornerback told Twin Cities media members that fact shortly after Minnesota drafted him out of Stephen F. Austin at 163^rd overall.

It's certainly believable, as Demmings (who prefers "Chuck" over Charles) demonstrated ample energy and expressed gratitude to everyone on the virtual call.

He credited his faith with giving him a true passion for football, saying that after he committed his life to Christ, "I was going to do everything I could to serve the person next to me. And what sport do I play? One of the greatest team sports on the planet."

Demmings redshirted for the Lumberjacks in 2021 and by 2023 was a full-time starter. Over four active seasons, he totaled 53 tackles, nine interceptions, two tackles for loss and 37 passes defensed.

Here are five things to know about the Vikings new corner:

1. Late start

Demmings played short stints of football a few different times, including in his middle school years, but didn't play consistently until his senior year at John Horn High School in Mesquite, Texas.

He did a little bit of everything on the gridiron that season, recording 39 tackles, four interceptions, two tackles for loss, one forced fumble, five pass breakups and a blocked field goal that season.

2. Knows how to hustle

Demmings knows there can be an uphill battle for later-round draft picks, but he assured media members he's a hard worker and "always grew up having to hustle."

When he was younger, Demmings watched his father's coworker mow 18 lawns in a single day and proceeded to start a father-son side business with his dad called Twins Lawn Mowing.

In an interview with NFL writer Arye Pulli, Demmings recalled how he learned the importance of detail and discipline through the yardwork.

"We had a lady named Miss Pam's yard and her backyard was like three-quarters of a football field," Demmings told Pulli. "We had to mow about 102 lines every time — and that's just the backyard."

3. NFL Combine standout

Demmings may have gone to a small school, but his game garnered plenty of attention during the later part of his collegiate career.

He became the only FCS defensive back invited to the Panini Senior Bowl this year, and he also accepted an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis — his vertical jump of 42 inches was second best among cornerbacks, and he showed some speed in the 40-yard dash with a time of 4.41 seconds.

4. Committed Christian

As mentioned earlier, Demmings is a dedicated Christian and wants people to recognize that as central to his character.

He said the following in a video feature by Stephen F. Austin:

"When people five years, 10 years down the road look at my story and [ask], 'Who is Charles Demmings?' I want them to see that he infused God into everything, and he let his identity be that. And he used prayer as a steering wheel."

5. Loyal to the Lumberjacks

Though Demmings had an opportunity to move into an FBS program, he opted to stay at Stephen F. Austin — a decision he says was both due to his faith and a belief in loyalty, as well as the relationships he'd built with teammates.

"I sweep the shed … which means leave a place better than you found it," Demmings said. "I felt like we had some unfinished business on the table in 2024, and I don't like leaving with unfinished business. It just wasn't in my heart to go anywhere else, knowing I didn't do everything I could on that field, in that locker room and in this community to be the best version of myself.

"Not only was I trying to leave a legacy, but I asked myself, 'Do I want to be a fountain or a drain?' I want to be a fountain," he added. "I want to give people a reason … to keep going. Give people a reason to start something of their own, start something new."

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