Bethel University (TN)

Demario Cleaves Jr enters his first year as a college football coach under Head Coach Chris Springer at Bethel.  He is serving as the Defensive Backs coach, mainly working with the Corner Back position. Coach Cleaves is also heavily assisting with special teams under Special Teams coordinator Deandre Riddick. 

In 2025 Coach Cleaves was coaching high school football at Hamilton High School Wildcats in Memphis, Tennessee. Coach Cleaves served as the Wide Receivers Coach and was the Co-Offensive Coordinator. 

Coach Cleaves played collegiate football from 2020 - 2024.  He started his collegiate career at Grambling State University where he played Linebacker from Fall of 2020 - Spring of 2022. He then Transferred to the University of Arkansas at Monticello where he played Safety.  Coach Cleaves decided to enter the portal once again and ended his playing career at Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. He played there from the Spring of 2023 - Fall of 2024. 

Coach Cleaves is known for being very a  motivational and energetic person. Coach Cleaves will bring  these traits and qualities to the Bethel University Wildcats Football Family.