Former UCF defensive tackle Demetris Anderson’s senior year got cut short thanks to an ACL injury. It was over before it even started.
He could have quit on his NFL dreams, but he continued to fight on a long road to recovery.
UCF football needed a feel-good story, after going 0-12 last season. No player on the team was drafted in the 2016 NFL Draft. But at least one player is getting an NFL opportunity.
Earlier this month, Anderson was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Green Bay Packers.
That opportunity was not given to him. He had to earn it.
Going into his senior season, expectations for him were high and he was ready to lead a relatively young UCF Football team, as one of only nine seniors. He posted 34 tackles, including 8.5 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks. He was poised to break out as a defensive anchor for the Knights.
Tragically, his season ended even before it started.
Anderson missed the entire 2015 season due to a knee (ACL) injury.
The Green Bay Packers brought in 27 players on a tryout basis for their rookie camp. Those players had only two practices over the weekend to showcase their talent, according to an ESPN article by Jason Wilde.
After it was over, only four of the 27 earned a contract. Anderson was one of them.
Similar to his path to the NFL, Anderson had an unexpected journey to UCF.
He started playing college football at Western Michigan as a freshman in 2011, where he played in 10 games before transferring to UCF.
Anderson, who is 6-foot-1, 306 pounds, from Ft. Pierce, Fla., had to prove himself to his new team and that led him to start 24 of the 26 games he played at UCF. As a Knight, he totaled 58 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 3 passes defended.
With that being said, Anderson still has a long way to go before he can relax knowing he has secured an NFL roster spot.
He is currently one of 90 players, the Packers will have going into training camp this summer. Again, the odds are against him, but that will not stop him from trying.
On the bright side, there is some recent history and good news that favors his chances of making the team.
Since 2010, a total of 17 undrafted rookies have made the Packers’ opening-day roster, according to ESPN staff writer for the Green Bay Packers Rob Demovsky
Moreover, Anderson plays a position that is of need for the Packers.
Longtime Packer B.J. Raji, a former Pro Bowl defensive tackle and Super Bowl Champion, surprisingly retired this offseason after playing seven seasons in Green Bay. Also, Packers defensive lineman Mike Pennel is suspended the first four games of 2016 and they just released defensive end Josh Boyd last week.
These moves open up some potential roster spots on the defensive line.
However, the Packers tried to address this issue by drafting UCLA defensive tackle Kenny Clark with the 27th overall pick in the first round during the 2016 NFL Draft.
Anderson will have competition, so it will be up to him again to prove he is worthy of making the Packers by showcasing his talent in training camp this summer.
Regardless Anderson is just excited and grateful to have an opportunity to achieve his NFL dream, after all he has gone through. He went to social media to share his NFL journey through pictures on his Instagram account and thoughts about the process.
UCF is showing some love too, by wishing Anderson good luck on achieving his NFL Dream via Twitter.
Also, Demetris Anderson is in line to be a free agent w/ the Packers. Good luck to all Knights in the NFL! https://t.co/x3v0T0npX0
— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) May 10, 2016
It was a long road to recovery, but Anderson is going against all odds to pursue his NFL dream.
He is living proof to never give up on your dreams and take advantage of your opportunities.
