Olympic Sprinter Jeff Demps Will Pursue NFL Career

Former Florida star and Olympic silver medalist Jeff Demps is pursuing a career in the NFL, and the timing for some teams couldn’t be better. As NFL teams scour the waiver wire for that potential diamond in the rough who could come in and make an impact in the pre-season and at training camp, Demps is a little late to the party but his talent will certainly be welcome.

Particularly, the Denver Broncos have no real answer at kick or punt returner after the departure of Eddie Royal, and he could be a great fit there, but who couldn’t use an Olympic sprinter? Perhaps the Oakland Raiders will come calling…

Anyway, here is our scouting report on Demps for those of you who have forgotten what he brings to the table as a football player.

Jeff Demps is flat out one of the fastest men in sports right now, regardless of what level. Demps has Olympic track star speed, and translates that on to the field. Last year, he led the Gators with 551 rushing yards, and is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Demps has 17 career rushing touchdowns, and has averaged 7.5, 7.0, and 6.0 yards per carry throughout his Gators career. He has had some injuries, which have prevented him from being a top tier runner in college football, but he definitely has game-breaking speed and could be a great change of pace back at the next level, and also has potential possibly as a slot wide receiver and return specialist.Demps is the fastest track athlete in college right now (9.85 second 100 meter dash) and could challenge for the fastest recorded 40 yard dash time in the history of the league at the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine.

Runs really low, which works to his advantage. He’s got a great build for a shorter back at 5’7″ and closing in on 200 pounds. He has elite quickness and while he can be engulfed by defenders at times, he is not easy to track down. Threat to score every time he touches the ball. Turns the corner with ease and can change direction on a dime. His speed is not overrated. He will make your mouth drop when you see some of his runs.

PROS: Speed is his greatest asset, quickness, elusive in the open field, hits the hole hard, turns the corner with ease, potential as a return specialist, despite height, has pretty good overall size, threat to score every time he touches the ball

CONS: Injury history, might not be an every-down back at the next level, doesn’t have great numbers in the passing game