Jeff Demps = Darren Sproles
September 11th, 2013
Yes, track star/LeGarrette Blount trade throw-in Jeff Demps, the former Florida Gator, has re-joined the Bucs and was practicing today.
Demps is not on the roster. He’s got a roster exemption while the Bucs see what he has to offer their return game and/or backfield. (Perhaps he catches better than Kevin Ogletree?)
Demps wowed Greg Schiano and his new teammates with his speed. What that means on the NFL practice field is unknown — inactive list captain Michael Smith had 4.3 speed, but various Bucs said Demps’ wheels were impressive.
Beat reporter Tom Krasniqi, of WDAE-AM 620, penned in his daily notebook that Demps is playing the role of another really fast guy the Bucs will see on Sunday against the Saints.
RB Jeff Demps took part on his first practice on Wednesday for the Bucs. The former Florida Gator and track star reported on Monday. Demps was wearing #32 and is simulating Darren Sproles on the scout team in practice.
It’ll be interesting to see how Schiano reacts to a guy like Demps, who is not a football-first guy. Joe’s not sure the Bucs really need Demps, and would Bill Belicheat really have tossed Demps away if he was game-changing returner?
Joe has one piece of advice for Demps; don’t fumble.
September 11th, 2013 at 7:09 pm
Before sundays game I didnt think there was any change Demps had to make this team. Now I think he has a real good chance. He was a game changer at UF.. If that translates to the NFL, he is a big weapon.
September 11th, 2013 at 7:09 pm
Chance*
September 11th, 2013 at 7:09 pm
“Jeff Demps is the fastest guy in the NFL” – Schiano
September 11th, 2013 at 7:15 pm
Lets make him the next tavon austin…. put him in the slot our wideouts are great but we have no speed there shit lets make him a decoy…
September 11th, 2013 at 7:17 pm
Hes our tavon austin put him in the slot..we need wide out speed bad
September 11th, 2013 at 7:17 pm
He can’t play for two weeks because of the exemption unless the Bucs sign a deal with him. This is his training camp. I don’t think he will make the team as a RB and Eric Page is pretty darn good at returns. Still, I’m all for cutting Ogletree to make room. Just in case.
😉
September 11th, 2013 at 7:22 pm
Sign him. Play him.
September 11th, 2013 at 7:24 pm
They need to see if he can be 3rd WR..
September 11th, 2013 at 7:24 pm
Tavon Austin, he of a whopping 6 catches for 41 yards and 1 carry for -1 yard? Being fast is exactly that: being fast. I know after the big 3 weapons on offense (#19, #22, #83) there isn’t much, I’m just not even remotely convinced Demps will have much of an impact. Besides I quite like what I’ve seen from Eric Page and would like to see what he can do as the #3 receiver.
September 11th, 2013 at 7:29 pm
Is he the fastest player in NFL history?
September 11th, 2013 at 7:30 pm
Keep in mine his body is still in “track” shape. He would need to add weight to be in football shape. He’s not making the team anytime soon.. maybe later on in the season if it’s allowed?
September 11th, 2013 at 7:31 pm
It’s not like this guy has never played football. For those of us that watched him play at UF we know how exciting he is to watch. More weapons is better than less…duh
September 11th, 2013 at 7:33 pm
^^ Exactly. He was a game changer at UF.
September 11th, 2013 at 7:34 pm
Can he complete more than 45% of his passes?
September 11th, 2013 at 7:36 pm
6 catches 41 yards > ogletree 0/0
September 11th, 2013 at 7:46 pm
No one is saying put him in as a starter running 45 plays a game. He is so versatile in the rushing and return game it makes sense to get him involved in a few plays. He will embarrass defenders
September 11th, 2013 at 8:00 pm
This makes me happy. He was awesome for the Gators and has serious breakaway speed. I hope this works out and it was time for some good news. Nicks is back, Demps is here.
Where dim Aints???
September 11th, 2013 at 8:08 pm
I hope he lasts longer then his running mate Rainey
September 11th, 2013 at 8:11 pm
I lived in Gainesville the year he won a national championship with them, 3 blocks away from the stadium. I know how fast the dude is, but he isn’t in football shape. It’s simple… he trains differently for track than he does for football and he can’t just transform his body.
Maybe in a few weeks, after he learns the offense and puts a few pounds on he’ll be ready. Just don’t expect him to play before the bye week.
September 11th, 2013 at 8:26 pm
The Bucs could use Demps in the slot or out of the back field. See his highlight reel.
September 11th, 2013 at 8:26 pm
Just because you lived in gville 5 years ago doesn’t mean you know whether or not can contribute Sunday. He is a football player and a damn good one. Let him touch the ball 3 times and put him in a few more times to draw some attention. I’m in good enough shape for that!
September 11th, 2013 at 8:28 pm
“Desperate” is the only word that comes to mind
September 11th, 2013 at 8:39 pm
Has anyone seen tape on Demps receiving skills?
September 11th, 2013 at 8:48 pm
Jeff “Fast-Forward” Demps, I say if he’s NFL material, suit him up! The man can flat out fly, and I doubt there’s ANYBODY out there that can catch him, teach him the pro game and let him loose, I can see him catching a hard/quick slant in stride, defenders will injure themselves just trying to catch him!
September 11th, 2013 at 9:19 pm
Desperate? Damn straight. I just don’t trust this offense to use a Sproles-like weapon effectively. Remember that it took him getting to New Orleans before he truly broke out.
September 11th, 2013 at 9:41 pm
Finally some good news :/ , I guess…
Either way hope he can contribute to the team
September 11th, 2013 at 9:42 pm
Uh ….he was pretty good in San Diego
September 11th, 2013 at 9:48 pm
Agreed he was tough as nails for the chargers
September 11th, 2013 at 9:50 pm
Demps has world class olympic speed, Michael Smith ran well once at a pro-day. They don’t belong in the same post.
September 11th, 2013 at 9:51 pm
They must not have got Chargers games in China.
September 11th, 2013 at 9:56 pm
Does any body kow when the cut off time is for the game sunday to be on the local market?
September 11th, 2013 at 10:06 pm
I think its thursday
September 11th, 2013 at 10:36 pm
Please educate yourselves:
http://www.nfl.com/player/darrensproles/2506467/careerstats
Once the Saints utilized Sproles the right way he became a frickin monster. Yeah, he was a dangerous return man and would break off a run or two with the chargers but you gotta be kidding me to say that he was used the same way.
Listen, Im just saying i hope Schiano doesnt screw the pooch and use him solely as a return man. Lots of untapped potential when you have competent minds that know how to use it.