Jeff Demps Just Trying To Fit In
September 15th, 2013
Joe has no idea if track star and part-time football player Jeff Demps might be activated for the Bucs today when they face the Saints at 4 p.m. After talking with Demps this week, the former Gators star is doing whatever Bucs commander Greg Schiano asks him to do.
“It’s a lot of work,” Demps said of playing for the Bucs and getting in football shape. “I have a long way to go. It is exciting but at the same time it is draining. I am enjoying.”
Demps confessed it’s been so long since he played football (roughly a year) that he’s not even used to running with pads on. Yet.
“I know the body is going to be sore,” Demps said. “The best thing for me is to maintain my treatment. Take care of my legs.”
Demps admitted he doesn’t have the luxury of six weeks of training camp like most of his new teammates had.
“Tight window,” Demps said. “I just have to get my head in the playbook. I will do every thing I can to get back on the field. I’m not going to give a time limit.”
Demps admitted kick (punt?) returns are not the only thing he is working on. He has taken snaps at running back, albeit on the scout team.
“I am everywhere right now,” Demps said.
Now Joe wouldn’t mind seeing Demps, who was a running back with the Gators, take some snaps there. With his speed, all he needs is a crease block, and away we go.
While Joe wishes Demps the best, Joe has to wonder if he will have an impact. Schiano gushed in one of his press conferences earlier last week about how fast Demps is. But if the Bucs are waiting for a guy who hasn’t played football in a year to make an impact, a catalyst, a spark, then the team likely has bigger issues to address.
September 15th, 2013 at 8:40 am
Apparently, the Bucs don’t have an offensive scheme that calls for anything but 22 & 2 wideouts.
We have Russell Sheperd who would be great at the wildcat.
Hopefully, Demps can catch the ball out of the backfield or in the slot…then he has a chance.
I don’t think, given the massive amount of touchbacks in the NFL…its worth a roster spot for a kick return specialist.
We would have to clear a roster spot for him….what would you choose?….Hillis?….a WR?….Dan O?……Freeman…ha, ha!
September 15th, 2013 at 8:46 am
@Tampabaybucfan
Definitely Freeman lol
September 15th, 2013 at 8:56 am
“Joe has no idea if track star and part-time football player Jeff Demps might be activated for the Bucs today…”
I do. He can’t be activated until he gets a contract. Even then he does’t know the playbook and by his own words isn’t use to running in pads.
He is a long shot to even mame the team.
The Bucs are just getting what they wanted all along…a good look at him.
September 15th, 2013 at 9:43 am
We would have to clear a roster spot for him….what would you choose?….Hillis?….a WR?….Dan O?……Freeman…ha, ha!
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If he can catch he’s already better than OgleTree… if he can call his own play without needing the coach to wipe his butt… he’s already better than Freeman.
September 15th, 2013 at 10:14 am
Everyone on the Bucs offense looks like they havent played football in a year. Demps would fit right in……
September 15th, 2013 at 10:51 am
@Mark Sanchez’s Hairband Says
“Everyone on the Bucs offense looks like they havent played football in a year. Demps would fit right in……”
Bravo, my friend. Bravo!