Getting the opportunity to play college football isn’t so much about the end result as it is the journey to get there. High school players continue to overcome obstacles and setbacks of many sorts in order to get to where they want to be. For Demetrius Cannon, it was all about injuries and proving people wrong. Right before his freshman season, the St Louis, MO native tore his MCL; after getting surgery to repair the ligament, he put in countless hours to not only regain the lost strength, but get it stronger than it normally was. “I had a season ending injury and everyone lost faith in me,” Cannon explained. “Nobody thought that I’d be where I am now, but I worked my butt off and went and earned my stripes.”
The doubt of many continues to motivate Cannon to get to the next level and accomplish his goals. “I go as hard as I do because I remember the times when I had nobody rooting for me. I love football and it’s always been my dream to play in the NFL, so for people to doubt my dreams and tell me I can’t do it, it just makes me go harder and want to prove them wrong. Therefore, I’m going to work 110% more to get there.”
It did not take long for the wide receiver to catch attention on the national scene. “I started to see it (recruitment) blow up after my sophomore season during camp season. It really took off after I won MVP at The Opening,” Cannon recalled. Fast-forward to today, and he is rated as the 566th-best prospect in the 2021 class and the eighth ranked player in Missouri (247Sports Composite). The three-star recruit had received offers from Kentucky, Arkansas, West Virginia, Minnesota, Penn State, Tennessee, Illinois, and others.
Blessed to receive an offer from the University of Louisville 🔴⚪️ @GunterBrewer #uofL #GoCards pic.twitter.com/w7nZZXoyuv
— 𝘿𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙪𝙨 𝘾𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙣② (@Ys_Meechie2x) May 2, 2020
However, the offer from Louisville back on May 4th significantly caught Cannon’s attention. “The (Louisville) staff was very active, a lot of zoom calls, meetings, and phone calls. They were very nice and put a lot of time into me.”
🚨Louisville Football Lands Big Time 2021 MO WR Demetrius Cannon🚨@lvilleshawn @baseboy124 @UofLFootball @Ys_Meechie2x @ULFBRecruiting @Coach_Dennison @GunterBrewer @pete_nochta13 @GoCards #FlyVille21 #LsUp https://t.co/pvvQmBB8vA
— CSZ (@CardSportZone) June 22, 2020
Louisville’s approach and relationship with Cannon ultimately led to the Cardinals receiving a pledge on June 22nd. “I have close relationships with Coach (Gunter) Brewer and Coach (Norval) McKenzie,” he said. “I admire how real they are, how they take pride in their job and go the extra mile to help their players improve.” Cannon has made it his mission to prove doubters wrong, and Louisville will give him the opportunity to do just that. “I feel like it’s the best spot for me; Coach Satterfield and the new staff have done an amazing job and I feel like they can help mold me into a great football player, as well as a great man,” he explained. “I want Cardnation to know that they are the best; I’m coming to join the squad and make a big impact.”
Since committing, he has cut all ties with the other schools that were recruiting him. Cannon is all in for Louisville, and has been active on social media as both a program ambassador and recruiter. Additionally, his expectations are very high for the 2021 Cardinal recruiting class. “Those guys are amazing; they are like my brothers, we all get along and are dedicated to the Ville. It’s been amazing; I can’t wait to meet them in person,” he said.
On the field, Cannon’s skill set is similar to that of former Louisville star DeVante Parker. His 6-foot-3 frame allows him to go up and win jump balls, while possessing the athleticism to create separation. “They (Louisville fanbase) can expect a lot of fade balls, difficult catches, and ankle-breaking routes,” he explained. “I’m a dog; when I’m in my bag and mentally focused, then I can do whatever.” The verticality coupled with strength and good hands will immediately make him a threat in red-zone situations, but could also lead to early playing time. On top of the skills, Cannon also possesses exceptional intangibles that will help him in his journey to play professional football.
