Demercado could start for Cardinals

The Saddleback football program was back in the news on Wednesday with the news that former running back Emari Demercado has now taken over as the lead back for the Arizona Cardinals heading into week five of the 2025 NFL season.  Demercado played at Saddleback in 2017.

Demercado moved up the depth chart on Wednesday when it was announced that running back Trey Benson is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with an injury.  He is expected to take over as one of the lead backs in Arizona, along with Michael Carter.

Demercado played for Saddleback in 2017 and led Saddleback with 1,026 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns for the season, making the All-National Division Southern League First Team.  He then transferred to Texas Christian University where he played in 27 games for the Horned Frogs, appearing in the National Championship Game in 2022.