“We will not go quietly into the night” The Philadelphia Stars have signed wide receiver Dontay Demus Jr. out of Maryland. Demus Jr. spent some time with the Ravens after going un-drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft. Once projected to be drafted in the 6th round, Demus had a stellar career at Maryland before he found interest with his hometown NFL team.

What Does Dontay Demus Jr. Bring to the Team?

Beginning his college career at Friendship College, Demus wasn’t always expected to follow an NFL path. However he quickly found success in college, almost immediately taking over the role of number one receiver, and leading the team to an 8-4 record and a Championship appearance. During his true freshman season he managed 66 receptions for 1,167 yards and 12 touchdowns. This helped him garner recognition as a 3 star JUCO prospect, and he found offers from Michigan State, and Wisconsin, among others but chose to stay at home attending Maryland.

During his sophomore season with Maryland, he played in 12 games, but managed only 13 receptions. The impressive part was his average per reception after amassing 278 yards. He averaged over 21 yards per reception on the season. He also played special teams collecting 3 tackles. In his second season with the school, they got him even more involved. He caught 41 passes producing 625 yards as his averages came back down to earth. He scored 6 times, and added 1 carry for four yards as well.

Heading into his Junior season expectations were high, but covid quickly put a damper on his season limiting the team to just five games. He played in all five and managed 24 receptions for 365 yards and 4 touchdowns. He was on pace for 57 receptions, 876 yards, and 10 touchdowns all of which would have been Maryland career-highs. In 2021, Demus suffered an injury after only 6 games. His statistics were even better this time around with 28 receptions, 507 yards, and 3 touchdowns. He also added 5 kick returns for 95 yards. He was on pace for 56 receptions, 1,014 yards and 6 touchdowns on the season prior to his injury.

In 2022 his statistics show that he wasn’t quite right yet, as he watched a dramatic drop off in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. He finished with 22 receptions, 233 yards, and 1 touchdown while playing in all 12 games. The combination of the 2021 injury, and the ineffectiveness in 2023 helped knock him out of being drafted.

Low Risk, High Reward

At this point he is now over two years removed from his injury, and 100% for the first time in nearly two full years. He is a very low risk signing for the Stars that could potentially be a high upside player in 2024. With the Stars having lost Diondre Overton in free agency, bringing in another wide receiver was the logical move for the Stars, however amidst the merger uncertainty, and rumors are the Stars will die out soon, turning into a black hole and taking with them 7 other teams. With 8 teams potentially dropping out of the league, and the likelihood of a dispersal draft, this secures a spot in the draft for Demus if nothing else. Worst case scenario he winds up right back where he was as a free agent.

IF you are a fan of spring football check out our most recent interview with a Philadelphia Stars player. Seth Rowland: