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Demond Claiborne Excited to Grow from Rural Roots into Vikings Role 

EAGAN, Minn. — Demond Claiborne's mom respected his need to focus but sprinkled in notes of encouragement here and there.

The Vikings running back spoke to Twin Cities media members following Friday's rookie minicamp practice and smiled as he expressed gratitude for his mother, Tomeka, emphasizing the support and sacrifice she's shown throughout his life.

In leaving his hometown of Aylett, Virginia, for Minnesota, Demond reminded Tomeka he needed to stay locked in to football.

"I kind of told her, like, 'Hey, don't call that phone for a little bit. Let me get adjusted. Let me get settled in.' Because I was a little homesick yesterday and all," Demond said. "And she was like, 'OK, baby, I got you.'

"She'll send me a text every now and then and just let me know that she's still supporting me, watching me and looking over me," he added. "I just appreciate [her and my brothers] and am super excited to represent that Claiborne name and also represent the Minnesota Vikings."

Demond shined at King William High School, where he played wide receiver and running back as a freshman before focusing more heavily on the latter position. He served as a team captain during his senior season and racked up 2,946 rushing yards and 52 touchdowns (47 rushing, four receiving and a kickoff return). He helped lead King William to the state title game, where he posted 242 rushing yards and 109 receiving yards.

At the collegiate level, Demond totaled 558 carries for 2,599 yards and 26 touchdowns over four seasons at Wake Forest.

He went on to impress at the NFL Scouting Combine with a 40-yard dash time of 4.37 seconds and a 20-yard split of 2.59 seconds before Minnesota drafted him 198th overall last month.

Demond is grateful to have completed the pre-draft whirlwind and return where he's happiest: the green grass of a football field.

"Now that I know where my home is, my focus is now laser-focused on the Minnesota Vikings and this organization and my teammates," he said. "It's really just being able to stay homed in on football things, and being able to do football with my brothers is what I'm most excited about."

Demond and the other rookies this week joined Minnesota veteran players, and he's excited to learn from the likes Aaron Jones, Sr., and Jordan Mason.

He called it "an amazing thing" to share a position room with players who have "been doing it at such a high level for a long time," and he noted Vikings running backs coach Curtis Modkins has emphasized the importance of paying close attention to the veterans' approaches to the game.

While confident in what he brings to the table, Demond also recognizes the opportunity to significantly grow his game and is looking forward to the entire experience on and off the field.

From "the middle of nowhere" to now being in Minnesota and having a shot at an NFL career, Demond doesn't take for granted where he's come from or where he's going.