We continue our Rising Star series with a defensive back that showcased some amazing abilities in the bowl game, Dezmain Wilford. Wilford goes to Delhi Middle School, where he was one of the defensive leaders for an undefeated team this past season. He then finished his season with a spectacular performance at our Junior High All-American Bowl Game, where he won Defensive MVP for Team North.
Dezmain did this through one of the most impactful individual plays of the entire day, a pick six that would go on to be the game’s only points in Team North’s victory over Team South. On a day where all 3 teams went 1-1, Wilford was the reason why Team North prevailed in its victory, and he showed a lot of different impressive skills on that one play alone. On that play, Wilford read the screen pass as it was coming, had the conviction and agility to immediately make a play on the ball, the size and hands to make the catch, and the speed to return it all the way back for a touchdown the other way.
Standing at 5’7″ 125, Wilford is on the taller side for Junior High kids, which gives him a pretty solid advantage over the opposing wide receivers at this level. His footwork is impressive, as he has a sort of smoothness and fluidity to his movements that you rarely see from a Junior High kid. That athletic profile makes him a player with sky-high potential as he begins his high school career next year. He plays all over the defensive backfield, and we can’t wait to see what he does next.

What got you into football in the first place?
I just thought about playing it to see how I would do. I’m happy I did, because I really liked it.
What is your favorite part about playing football?
I love having fun with it, just listening to the coach, and doing what you’re supposed to do on the field.
What did you think about the bowl game?
I didn’t know that many people before it, but it was cool to meet them. My favorite part was catching the pick six.
Let’s talk about that Pick Six. It was a really impressive play. Take me through it.
They ran the play before, so when we got the look again and I saw the outside receiver staying where he was going for the screen pass, I jumped it and went for the pick.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned playing football?
I just have learned to respect the coach and put the spot they put you at, because you never know what you’ll have to do.
What was your favorite football game that you played?
My favorite game was when we played Crowville. My team got the game winning fumble.

Do you like playing on offense or defense more?
I like playing defense more, I just like playing safety.
Is there a particular defensive back in the NFL or college that you try to model your game after?
Jalen Ramsey.
What do you want to improve on the most with your game as you move to the high school level?
I want to be a better cornerback, so I have to get better with my speed.
Are there any sports you play other than football?
I play basketball, where I play point guard.
What teams do you root for when you watch sports?
I like Oregon for college, and the Eagles for the NFL.
Why should fans keep their eye on you, Dezmain Wilford, as the next big rising star in louisiana high school football?
I’m a good player. I play rover [box safety]. I’m loose, I’m willing to go get the quarterback.
*We are about to begin the 2025 Gridiron Football Season and if you are a player that wants to be a part of the 2025 Gridiron Football Junior High All-American Bowl Game or the 2025 Gridiron Football Senior All-American Bowl Game, you must be at our events to be considered for the game. This will apply especially to Louisiana athletes since we have growing interest from outside the state. We are inviting top performers from our 7v7 tournaments, our elite camps, and finally, our Gridiron Football Media Day. We already have our first 7v7 tournament and two elite camps posted below. To register, you can click any of the pictures below!

