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The Jeff Demps watch continues! (1 Viewer)

Faust

Faust

MVP
Olympian Jeff Demps hopes to play in the NFL in 2012

By Ian Rapoport
Reporter, NFL.com and NFL Network

Former University of Florida football and track star Jeff Demps will pursue a career in the NFL.

The Olympic silver medalist has signed a standard representation agreement for football, a souce close to Demps said Tuesday, with the goal of playing in the 2012 season. Demps recently returned from London, where he took part in Team U.S.A.'s 4x100-meter relay heat and earned his hardware.

Suddenly, a speedy, likely coveted free agent is on the market midway through training camp.

With the Gators, Demps earned NCAA titles in the 60-meet dash indoors and the 100-meter dash outdoors. On the football field, he gained 2,470 rushing yards and had 23 touchdowns in a stellar career. He was also a kick returner with 28.8 yards per return, showing explosiveness.

Demps went undrafted in the 2012 NFL Draft after telling teams he would be a full-time track athlete. Plans changed.

Demps, the 5-foot-8, 190-pounder, is looking for a team.
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PFW Scouting Report for Jeff Demps

Notes:

Native Floridian who starred in football and track, capturing a pair of state championships in the 100 meters. As a true freshman in 2008, carried 78 times for 605 yards (7.8-yard average) with seven touchdowns. Had groin surgery in the spring of ’09 to repair a left abductor release. In the fall, started 12-of-14 games and rushed 99-745-7 (7.5) despite battling the flu in September, a sprained neck against Mississippi State and a dislocated left elbow against Cincinnati. Sustained a concussion in August ’10 before starting 5-of-11 games played and running 92-551-3 (6.0). Sprained his left foot against Tennessee and was bothered by the injury the rest of the season, sitting out against LSU and Vanderbilt. Caught 41 career passes for 309 yards (22.3) and 10 touchdowns. Also returned 11 kickoffs for 354 yards (32.2) and two punts for 37 yards (18.5). Played 12 games in ’11, starting five, and totaled 98-569-6 (5.8) rushing, 16-172-0 (10.8) receiving and 10-250-1 (25.0) on kickoff returns. Hurt his shoulder against UAB and sat out the second half. Sprained his left ankle against Alabama, carried just twice against LSU and was unable to play against Auburn. Fumbled 11 times in 424 touches and gained 6.7 yards per carry. Team captain. Doubles as an Olympic-caliber sprinter. At the conclusion of his senior season, opted to forgo football in order to train for the Olympics, which required dropping nearly 15 pounds. Declined invitation to Combine.

Positives:

Has world-class track speed that translates to the football field. Possesses game-breaking explosiveness — accelerates in a blink and shows an extra gear very few players have. Only needs a crack, gains the edge and outruns angles in the open field. Has enough shiftiness to sidestep the first tackler. Cuts at high speed and turns on the afterburners. Good potential as a receiver — is agile and pops out of breaks to create separation. Special-teams standout. Surprisingly tough and durable. Mature, motivated, competitive athlete praised for his makeup and football character.

Negatives:

Short and small-framed with very small hands. Limited run strength — too easily turned on contact or tripped up. Marginal inside runner. Never carried 100 times in a season. Is a bit straight-linish and does not string moves together. Could stand to refine route-running ability. Underpowered blocker. Questionable mental and physical toughness. May take some time to grasp a playbook.

Summary:

A versatile, super-quick slasher with turbo speed and a shredded physique, Demps is a threat to go the distance every time he touches the ball, as he rips off yards in big chunks. Will have to be used strategically to maintain his durability, but can be a dynamic utility player and mismatch weapon as a change-of-pace back, slot receiver and returner. Could warrant late consideration despite choosing to pursue a track career and graded as middle-round pick on talent alone.
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Could see him as a Sproles type player, no?

Fast...can run, can do well in returns...huge acceleration on flare passes...

Seems there should be a spot to try him in this league.

 
Big Gator fan here, and I agree with the thought that Rainey is much more likely to be successful. Demps is not at all shifty, and certainly not powerful. Rainey is quick more than fast (and he is very fast) and also shifty with decent strength for his small stature. Has a RB mentality.

I can't imagine Demps being successful in the NFL. He's just fast.

 
I'm guessing Demps would probably add some bulk if he isn't going to run track anymore. It would certainly help.

I'd love for the Jets to take a look at him. His speed is just absurd. He just blows by guys who appear to be taking perfect pursuit angles.

 
Has a chance to be a good return guy.

He's not just some track guy trying to pick up football late. He played in the best conference for a powerhouse program. He could be legit with that speed.

 
Al Davis just got an erection in his mausoleum.

Don't know who will sign him, but if Belichick does, it will be a genius move.

 
'flranger said:
Big Gator fan here,
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Ditto
Demps is not at all shifty, and certainly not powerful. Rainey is quick more than fast (and he is very fast) and also shifty with decent strength for his small stature. Has a RB mentality.I can't imagine Demps being successful in the NFL. He's just fast.
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Mostly ditto.I always thought Demps had a great team mentality, knew how to hold on to the ball, and always popped up after the play to get on to the next play. That tells me that he's unselfish (like all Gators ;-D), practiced the fundamentals, and listened to his coaches. I could definitely see him in a player in the mold of Darren Sproles. I'm not sure if Sproles works on every team but he's definitely flexible enough to make a team somewhere. Not sure if he'd ever be worthy of a spot on a FFL team but definitely on an NFL team.And the NFL would have a new "fastest man" award winner - I know Chris Johnson is supposed to be the fastest but I'd definitely bet the house on Demps - he seems to be at full speed after 2 steps.
 
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'CravenM said:
I could definitely see him in a player in the mold of Darren Sproles.
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Darren Sproles played in basically the same offense at K-State as Meyer ran and led the nation in yards from scrimmage with 2273 in 2003. That included 1986 rushing for that season. Demps is not Darren Sproles.
 
Jacksonville could use all the explosive play makers they can get, and as a Florida player he might increase ticket sales.

 
I wouldnt mind Percy Harvin doing a little recruiting and bringing his buddy to the Vikings. If nothing else, Demps brings Devin Hester type of kick and punt return skills and could be used as a 3rd down back/backup slot WR.

 
Agent: Jeff Demps drawing interest

ESPN.com news services

Several NFL teams are interested in Olympian Jeff Demps, his agent told the Tampa Bay Times.

"There's a lot of interest," agent Daniel Rose told the newspaper. "We talked to some teams before the Olympics, but we wanted him to concentrate on the Olympics. Preparing for the Olympics is a very regimented process, and he needed to focus on that.

"At 22 years old, how could you tell a kid not to go to the Olympics?"

The former Florida running back went undrafted after he told NFL teams he planned to pursue track fulltime.

He won a silver medal at the 2012 London Games as part of the men's 4x100 relay team. He didn't run in the 4x100 final, where the U.S. team finished second behind Jamaica, but still received a medal for competing in the qualifying round.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the only team identified by Rose, "but there are a lot of other teams interested. He's not committed to any team yet," he told the newspaper.

He said Demps hopes to make a decision soon.

Demps finished his Florida career with 2,470 yards rushing and 23 touchdowns. He had 569 yards rushing and six touchdowns last season. He also was a dangerous kickoff returner, averaging 28.8 yards per return in his four-year career.
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Did Florida play week competetion or was their scheme/line rediculous because in this Vanderbilt game from last year Demps played without Rainey and put up 23 car, 158 yards, 2 TD, 6.9 avg, 52 yd. long; 2/14 receiving, 1 GL carry

http://draftbreakdown.com/jeff-demps-vs-vanderbilt-2011

:51 mark

1:20

1:43

3:41

Against Kentucky he had the 84yd run from above but wound up with 10 car, 157, 2 TD, 15.7 avg, 84 yd. long

Rainey played this game and got 15 car, 105yds so maybe the defense was bad.

http://draftbreakdown.com/jeff-demps-vs-kentucky-2011

:12 sec

:46 sec mark

1:48 -get some tough yards

1:53 mark

I'm just getting into scouting players from college so maybe this is pretty common and won't translate to the NFL but he was used as more than a 3rd down specialist/KR in these games, granted a lot of draws, screens, sweeps, etc.

 
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JETS REACH OUT TO JEFF DEMPSPublished Wed Aug 15 9:27:00 p.m. ET 2012 (Rotoworld) The Jets are among the teams that have reached out to Olympic track star Jeff Demps.Analysis: The extent of the Jets' interest is unknown, but they're one of teams in the league most in need of speed on offense. Demps could be an option in New York's Wildcat packages, with which Rex Ryan and Tony Sparano seem infatuated. Demps will also be a candidate to return kickoffs for the team that signs him.
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In college, Demps seemed to have the ability to get quickly to the open spot and shoot through before anyone could get a solid shot at him. Then he was gone. His acceleration is amazing and took a lot of defenders by surprise. I'm not sure how that would fair in the quicker NFL, but the guy has speed and ability. I am kind of intrigued if the Bucs give him a shot. With Benn looking like he will be on the shelf into the regular season there is a possible WR slot in camp. Stay tuned.

 
How about the Steelers? He could replace Wallace as the speedster in the lineup. (since a lot of people think thats all he does) :football:

 
'PlasmaDogPlasma said:
'CravenM said:
I could definitely see him in a player in the mold of Darren Sproles.
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Darren Sproles played in basically the same offense at K-State as Meyer ran and led the nation in yards from scrimmage with 2273 in 2003. That included 1986 rushing for that season. Demps is not Darren Sproles.
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:goodposting:Demps is super fast in a straight line, but he doesn't have anything close to the vision or lateral quickness of Sproles. Outside of his world-class speed, none of his other attributes are better than what you'd get out of your average college running back.count me in as another Gator fan who doesn't see a big fantasy future for Demps - he could be a good return specialist, but I seriously doubt he'll make much of an impact as an RB. As others have said, Rainey is a lot more talented overall and would be a better choice for a Sproles-type player if he can stay healthy (a big if).
 
Bucs have competition for Jeff Demps

By Pat Yasinskas | ESPN.com

All indications are that Olympian Jeff Demps will be signing with an NFL team very soon, perhaps no later than Thursday evening.

But the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have some competition for the former University of Florida speedster. Sal Paolantonio reports the New York Jets are showing interest. The Jets could have a drawing card because they have quarterback Tim Tebow, who played in college with Demps.

But Demps is a Florida native and that could work in the favor of the Bucs, who stayed in contact with him since just after the NFL draft. However, Demps’ agent said multiple teams are involved and a decision is likely to come Thursday.

Demps may be a bit of a project and it could take him time to develop as an NFL running back or receiver. But he could probably make a quick impact as a return man.

''He's speed,'' agent Daniel Rose said. ''The NFL is about speed and there's so much you can do with a guy like that if used correctly. He could be a kick returner, slot receiver, stuff like that. There's gadget plays teams can come up with. If used correctly, he could definitely be a weapon.''
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The Twittersphere is saying Demps signed with New England. Just a return guy or is there some fantasy value to be had here?

 
'barrow said:
The Twittersphere is saying Demps signed with New England. Just a return guy or is there some fantasy value to be had here?
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Conflicting reports:mad:onlygators Jeff Demps's agent tells me that the report is NOT true as of right now. He is currently in Orlando, FL going over his options. #Gators @ODonnellFox13 Fox 13 Sports (WTVT-Tampa) has learned that Jeff Demps will be a New England Patriot. Decision came down to NE and Bucs. Off. ann. soon
 
@ProFootballWkly

#Patriots fans curious to read about new RB-RS Jeff Demps? (@RapSheet confirmed signing)

 
Got this from twitter so take with a grain of salt

@ODonnellFox13: Fox 13 Sports (WTVT-Tampa) has learned that Jeff Demps will be a New England Patriot. Decision came down to NE and Bucs. Off. ann. soon.

 
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Looks like Mike Reiss confirmed it:

@MikeReiss

As reported by Fox 13 in Tampa, Jeff Demps has agreement to join Patriots, source confirms. Visited team yesterday. Contract not yet signed.

 
'Faust said:
'barrow said:
The Twittersphere is saying Demps signed with New England.
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@ODonnellFox13 Fox 13 Sports (WTVT-Tampa) has learned that Jeff Demps will be a New England Patriot. Decision came down to NE and Bucs. Off. ann. soon
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Pats have a decent punt return game but their kick-off return game is weak and their avg starting field position was among the bottom 25% last year (kinda hard to do when you move the ball so well on offense) so this would make sense given how much we know Belichick values ALL three phases of the game. As such it represents another genius move by Belichick**Sorry Grid71 couldn't resist.
 
@caplannfl

Per NFC personnel source through text message: Demps projects to be a change-up RB, KR. Not a starter or big enough. Major explosiveness.

@caplannfl

Use him on offense for matchups vs. slow LBs. Get him outside formation and watch him run.

 
'barrow said:
Looks like Mike Reiss confirmed it:

@MikeReiss

As reported by Fox 13 in Tampa, Jeff Demps has agreement to join Patriots, source confirms. Visited team yesterday. Contract not yet signed.
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Source: Demps agrees with Patriots

By Mike Reiss & Mike Rodak | ESPNBoston.com

Olympic silver medalist Jeff Demps has agreed to terms with the Patriots, a league source confirms.

The 5-foot-7, 191-pound running back is an undrafted free agent from Florida. He played in 12 games last season, making five starts. On 98 carries, he had 569 yards and six touchdowns.

Demps did not take part in February's NFL Combine and did not have a spring workout for April's NFL Draft, instead training as a sprinter for the United States in the recent Olympics.

Once Demps officially arrives in New England, his biggest impact could be on the Patriots' return game. Demps could provide a spark in that area, where coach Bill Belichick said on Wednesday the team is looking for better production.

The Patriots showed interest in Demps prior to the Olympics, which may have played a part in his agreement with New England. According to reports, the Buccaneers also showed interest in Demps this week.

The agreement was first reported by Kevin O'Donnell of Fox 13 in Tampa Bay.
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Not much fantasy upside here unless Woodhead goes down.

Otherwise, he's just a trendy Josh Cribbs equivalent for return yardage leagues. Too bad.

I would say this upgrades the New England D/ST unit. And they already had the easiest SOS for this season. Just saying.

 
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Report: Jeff Demps picks Patriots over Buccaneers

Posted by Darin Gantt on August 17, 2012, 12:50 PM EDT

Apparently his Olympic experience went so well, that Jeff Demps decided to continue to wear the red, white and blue.

According to Fox 13 television’s Kevin O’Donnell, Demps has spurned interest from the Buccaneers and decided to sign with the Patriots instead.

The Jets were also in the mix for the Olympic sprinter and Florida Gators running back/return man. The Fox 13 report stated that Demps was flying back to his Orlando-area home after visiting the Patriots Thursday, and would announce his decision when he returned.

The Patriots have always been a safe harbor for backs that don’t fit into a traditional mold, from miniature Danny Woodhead to versatile old guys such as Kevin Faulk.

But Demps gives them an element of raw speed they lacked, and should help them in the return game.
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'Faust said:
Report: Jeff Demps picks Patriots over Buccaneers

Posted by Darin Gantt on August 17, 2012, 12:50 PM EDT

Apparently his Olympic experience went so well, that Jeff Demps decided to continue to wear the red, white and blue.

According to Fox 13 television's Kevin O'Donnell, Demps has spurned interest from the Buccaneers and decided to sign with the Patriots instead.

The Jets were also in the mix for the Olympic sprinter and Florida Gators running back/return man. The Fox 13 report stated that Demps was flying back to his Orlando-area home after visiting the Patriots Thursday, and would announce his decision when he returned.

The Patriots have always been a safe harbor for backs that don't fit into a traditional mold, from miniature Danny Woodhead to versatile old guys such as Kevin Faulk.

But Demps gives them an element of raw speed they lacked, and should help them in the return game.
Click to expand...
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I would guess that the odds would be 10-1 on him not making the Pats opening day roster.
 
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