Nobody Thought Charles Would be Leading Linebacker This Season

CONWAY, Ark. — The leader of Central Arkansas’ linebacking corps for 2024 did not seem like a likely candidate to fill that role four years ago.

Senior Demetrias Charles, a 6-foot, 210-pounder from Texarkana, Ark., initially came to UCA without a scholarship.

“He actually started out as a walk-on,” said UCA coach Nathan Brown, “but since then, Demetrias Charles has quietly put together a really, really good career. You look two years ago, he’s the third-leading tackler. Last year’s he’s the second leading tackler. He can rush the passer, he has huge sacks in his career, he can do a lot of things well.

“He is just such a success story. He’s a kid that plays the game of football like you want it to be played. He plays with a chip on his shoulder. When he crosses the line (onto the field) every single day, he has a tenacity to him. Really to be honest, he probably gets more out of his body than anyone on this team. And that’s why he has had a lot of success, that’s why he has a lot of tackles, because he’s relentless.

“It starts with him at the second level. It’s just really cool to see how he’s gotten to where he is today.”

Charles is joined by another player who came from a little off the radar in sophomore Jace Benesch from Hoxie, Ark.

“Jace is in Year 3,” said Brown. “Played as a true freshman, played some last year, and is going to have to playa bigger role this year. He’s a kid that loves football. I don’t know that I’ve seen in my 15 years anyone that goes out there and just has a love for football like Jace. It doesn’t matter if it’s 98 degrees out there or 32 degrees. He loves football, and that’s why he’s going to have success. We’re excited about his role increasing this year.”

With the loss of last year’s leading tackler in Jake Golday, Brown said other returnees, as well as some newcomers, will need to step up in the linebacker room.

“Ashtyn Williams, a guy who redshirted last year out of Pulaski Robinson, he’s what you want a young linebacker to look like. From Point A to Point B, his instincts are as good as anybody in that room. And he gets there with a physical ability that is hard to coach.

“Mike Onwuzurike was dealing with some injuries last year after we signed him in December. He had a ton of success as an all-conference player at his prior school, and we were fortunate because of our depth, we were able to redshirt him last year. Mike O is going to play a big role this year, he’s going to compete for a starting role. Another kid who can rush the passer, similar to DC, so we can do some different things with him from the second level.”

Two in-state transfers, both with family ties to the UCA program, look like they are ready to contribute, according to Brown.

“Davion Mayo is a transfer from Bowling Green and originally from Stuttgart,” he said. “He is actually a cousin of (defensive end) David Walker and (wide receiver) Arlie Lee. That’s been a good family for us and I expect Davion to be no different. His size and strength and instincts has been evident in summer conditioning and workouts.

“And then Daylon Land, who was the defensive player of the year at the Division II level in his conference. He’s originally from Bryant, Ark. He has an outstanding UCA lineage here as his dad Damian Land is going into the UCA Sports Hall of Fame this year. He’s a no-nonsense, Point A to Point B attack guy, he loves the game. I’ve been very impressed with Daylon.”

Returnee Gavyn Hayes also figures in the mix. “He can play edge, the position that David (Walker) plays,” said Brown. “He’s a special teams savant. He’s a guy that’s going to play a lot of football for us this year.”

And one other newcomer at linebacker could be a force in the future.

“Zane Widener is a freshman from Clinton, Ark.,” said Brown. “I don’t necessarily see him having to play a lot this season because of the depth we have, but he’s got a huge upside and we’re excited about him. He’s been very impressive since he’s gotten here.”