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Published on 08/16/2012 at Thu Aug 16 12:30.
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Broncos unlikely to pursue sprinter Jeff Demps

Posted Thu Aug 16th by

(Image courtesy of Kelly Lambert/Athens Banner-Herald)

On Tuesday, former Florida Gators running back/wide receiver/returner Jeff Demps caused a stir when he announced that he had filed paperwork with the NFL in hopes of pursuing a career in football.  Demps was undrafted in April due in part to the fact that he told teams he planned to pursue track fulltime.

After winning a silver medal at the 2012 London Games as part of the USA men’s 4×100 relay team, Demps apparently changed his mind and is now pursuing a career in the NFL.  According to one ESPN report, at least seven teams have shown interest in the 5-foot-7-inch tall, 175 pound return specialist.

It is unknown if the Broncos are one of the seven teams that have pursued Demps, but it appears unlikely that they have.  While the Broncos are in need of a returner, the team already has stiff competition at the RB and WR positions and may not be willing to add another player to the mix, which would force the team to make room on the roster by cutting a player they may want to see more of in the preseason (e.g. Xavier Omon or Jason Hill).  

Demps has reportedly ran a 4.18 forty-yard dash and averaged 28.8 yards per return during his four-year career at Florida.  As a Gator, Demps recorded 2,470 yards rushing and scored 23 touchdowns.

He is an intriguing player that would undoubtedly improve the Broncos return game, but Denver seems unlikely to use a precious roster spot on a one-trick pony.  Demps is expected to sign with a team in the coming days, so we’ll know soon enough how interested (if at all) the Broncos are.

Do you think the Broncos should kick Demps’ tires?  Who do you think should be the team’s punt and kick returners this season?  Dish out your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Jim_Jebow

    after watching his highlights, he is explosive just like hillman. maybe they can have hillman handle returns

  • DougEngland

    I understand what you are saying, but Demps is far from a one-trick pony. He is a real football player, with needless to say, incredible speed.
    Still, with all the tough personel decisions the Broncos already face, I agree that they probably won’t take a gamble on him.

  • BetterThanCottonCandy

    Don’t we need a dedicated return man? Taking a look can’t hurt (that is if you are not looking at your neighbors wife).

  • Pingback: Broncos unlikely to pursue sprinter Jeff Demps | football-feed.com()

  • 350legend

    With the need in the punt return game, i would think, it would be a No brainer For Denver to go after him. I guess Elway and company know what we have @ hand…

  • BetterThanCottonCandy

    Yeah, the way linemen are dropping, a open slot for one of them will probably be a priority.

  • TheTroglodyte

    Didn’t we just bring on some hurt bah humbug safety from the Jets to do punt returns? Special Teams can flat out win games and nothing kills more in special teams then speed. I sure as hell don’t want us using and risking someone vital to every down either like Decker. I say we bring this kid on!

  • http://Twitter.com/Jon_BT Jon

    I must admit in hindsight that I went a bit overboard with that statement.

  • herc_rock

    I don’t know…i like willis and syd back there myself.

  • http://Twitter.com/Jon_BT Jon

    Thompson has somehow flown under the radar, but I agree, he’s got return skills. And Willis seems capable of returning kickoffs, so I must agree.

  • anthony33

    It’s crazy NOT to go after this guy! I watched Syd and Willis return kicks last week and neither one of them looked like they really watned to be back there.

  • cbc2

    The “Houston Texans” have a “little-guy” smaller than Demps who might make THEIR TEAM as a “punt-returner” this year.
    http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/5832/trindon-holliday
    Trindon Holliday might be a “runaway” !