Demond Claiborne

Demond Claiborne (born October 9, 2003) is an American professional football running back for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons and was selected by the Vikings in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL draft.

Early life Claiborne was born on October 9, 2003 in Aylett, Virginia. He attended King William High School in King William, Virginia. As a senior, he was named the Metro Player of the Year and Tidewater District Player of the Year and as a sophomore was the Virginia Region 2A Offensive Player of the Year. He committed to Wake Forest University to play college football.

College career As a freshman at Wake Forest in 2022, Claiborne played in 10 games and had 14 carries for 57 yards. As a sophomore he started two of 10 games, rushing 137 times for 586 yards and five touchdowns. He took over as Wake Forest's starter in 2024, and 1,049 yards on 228 carries and 11 touchdowns. Claiborne returned to Wake Forest as the starter in 2025 where he ran for 907 yards on 179 carries (5.1 YPC), 10 touchdowns and had 140 yards receiving. Awarded the 2025 Associated Press Second Team All-ACC for his performance.

Professional career

Claiborne was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the sixth round with the 198th overall pick of the 2026 NFL draft.