Gators leaning on Demps' big-play ability

Jeff Demps didn’t need to be told that his role was going to grow with this Florida offense.
He knew it, which is why he worked so feverishly football jersey
this offseason.
Florida strength and conditioning coach Mickey Marotti said Demps was an absolute beast in the weight room. And when you run a 9.96 100 meters on top of that kind of work ethic, the result is what we’ve seen two games into this season.
Demps has taken his game to a whole new level, and it’s a good thing for the Gators.
He’s been their lifeline on offense.
“We’re going to lean on him more and more, because he’s that kind of player,” Florida coach Urban Meyer said.
Florida heads to Tennessee this Saturday still trying to find itself offensively. The Gators are looking for more consistency, more pop in the passing game and more guys to emerge as playmakers.
Without Demps, who knows where they would be right now?
He had a 72-yard touchdown run in the opener and a 62-yard touchdown run last week against South Florida. Both runs came in the second half and completely changed the complexion of the game.
That’s what speed does, and nobody in college football brings the kind of Bills jersey
speed to the field that Demps does each Saturday.
“He’s fast, and he’s a playmaker, and if he has space, he’s going to hurt you,” Tennessee coach Derek Dooley said. “We have to do a good job of reducing the space that he has and do a great job of wrapping up and gang-tackling him. If you don’t do those things, then he’s going to have a breakout.”
Straight-line speed has never been an issue for Demps, who won the 100 meters at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in June. That’s after sprinting to the NCAA Indoor title in the 60 meters in March.
Obviously, he can fly, but Demps worked on other parts of his game this offseason, in particular changing directions. He also concentrated on his lower body, knowing he would be taking more of a pounding this season. He bulked up from 182 to 190 pounds, and even though he’s only carried the ball 19 times in the first two games, is ready for a heavier load.
“I’ll carry it as many times as they need me to carry it for us to win games,” Demps said. “If they need me to step out there and run some routes, I’ll do that, too. This is what I’ve been working for.”
Demps, who’s also returning kickoffs for the Gators, rushed for a career-high 139 yards last week. He totaled 255 all-purpose yards, which included a 54-yard kickoff return.
He’s one of those guys that every time he touches it and gets any hint of daylight, you’re almost surprised when he doesn’t score.
“If I can keep hitting those big plays, it’s only going to help out everybody on offense,” said Demps, who has 11 scoring plays of 20 yards or longer during his career, including five that were 40 yards or longer.
Meyer said the Gators will be careful to keep Demps fresh, although that’s easier said than done. He’s an extremely intense practice player and isn’t going to take himself out of a game.
“My limit is when I can’t go anymore,” Demps said. “Until then, they can give it to me however many times they want to.”
He said it’s only a matter of 49ers jersey
time before this offense starts clicking consistently.
“I’m not concerned,” Demps said. “I know we have a lot of playmakers and one of the best offensive lines in the country. We’ve got to work a few things out, but we’ll be all right.”