DeMarcus Tyler attended E.E. Smith High School in Fayetteville, North Carolina where he played both offensive and defensive tackle on the football team. DeMarcus earned all-conference honors as a junior. As a senior he finished with 67 tackles and 9 sacks, helping his team to a 12-3 record. He was named first team all-conference and all-region. He was also named regional player of the year. He was selected to play and start in the shrine bowl at the conclusion of the season. DeMarcus graduated from high school a semester early and was able to join the N.C. State team, where he received a scholarship, in January. He saw action in every game as a reserve defensive tackle his true freshman season, totaling 13 tackles on the year. He moved to offensive tackle the following spring, but moved back to defensive tackle before the start of the season. He earned a starting spot at defensive tackle and started every game as a sophomore. He finished the season with 33 tackles and a forced fumble. He returned to start as a junior, starting all 11 games at defensive tackle. He finished the season with 41 tackles and 2 sacks.

DeMarcus "Tank" Tyler has a good deal of experience, having started for the Wolfpack over the past three seasons. He has a good combination of size and strength for a defensive tackle. He has a quick first step which allows him to beat most offensive linemen off the snap. He is strong at the point of attack and he gets off blocks well. He is a great run stopper who can penetrate the backfield and make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Tyler doesn't offer much when it comes to rushing the passer. For the most part he is a one-dimensional run stuffing defensive tackle. He tries to get by on pure strength alone too often. He could do a better job of staying low and getting leverage against his opponents. Another thing Tyler needs to work on is staying in shape. He has a tendency to tire as games go on and his lack of conditioning could be a contributing factor. His work ethic is questionable and he may need the right coach to keep him motivated. DeMarcus is a good prospect with the ability to be a dominating force against the run at the next level. He has been moving up draft boards as of late and is currently a first day pick with the ability to move into the first round.