Former Saddleback star ready for College Football Playoff Championship spotlight

January 9, 2023

MISSION VIEJO - The Saddleback football program is back in the news this week as one former player will play for the NCAA national championship on Monday night in Inglewood. Emari Demercado spoke to the media this week about playing for a national title.

Demercado played at Saddleback in 2017 when he led the team with 1,026 yards and 15 touchdowns for the season. He was named to the All-National Division Southern League First Team following the season and signed with TCU over another offer from Houston Christian.

Demercado is currently second in rushing yards for TCU with 622 yards and six scores, but took over the lead role in the national semifinal game when starter Kendre Miller went down with an injury. Demercado went on to lead the team in rushing with 150 yards and one score. Miller is listed as questionable heading into the game on Monday.

Since arriving at TCU, Demercado has 1,556 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns on the ground while catching 39 balls for 279 yards and another score.

(Saddleback College Athletics)