Five-year Texas A&M football starter who went undrafted making noise in Panthers camp

Report: Former Texas A&M football S Demani Richardson making noise in Carolina Panthers fall camp

Going into last year’s NFL draft, Texas A&M football had somewhere in the neighborhood of five prospects with legitimate chances at being drafted. Headlined by Edgerrin Cooper—who went in the second round to the Green Bay Packers—the Aggie faithful also hoped to hear the names of McKinnley Jackson, Layden Robinson, and Ainias Smith called.

Aside from these, though, there were also a few players for the Ags who had exhausted their eligibility and were therefore draft-eligible, but their chances of being selected were somewhat slim. Among this number was a five-year starter at the safety position in Demani Richardson.

A high four-star prospect out of Waxahachie, Richardson made an immediate impact for the Aggies in 2019. He was making plays even in his freshman season, notably picking off Tua Tagovailoa in the end zone.

He remained a staple in the defensive backfield for the Aggies, with his durability and penchant for heavy hits making him a reliable option for the Maroon and White. However, when it came time to project his fit at the next level, there were questions about his speed at the safety position.

In an age where NFL teams can fall in love with the measurables at the draft, Richardson’s relatively subpar showing in things like the 40-yard dash hurt his stock. Of course, as we now know, he ended up going undrafted, signing with the Carolina Panthers as a UDFA.

Since that point, though, Richardson has done nothing but make plays out in Charlotte. During Panthers fall camp here recently, he’s been turning a lot of heads. In a recent open practice, especially, Demani was catching the eyes of Panthers fans.

Aggie fans well know how solid of a player Richardson is. I’m really glad to see his skills translating well so far, and am hopeful that the Panthers will give him a chance by signing him to their 53-man roster.