Previously, the Season Review editions of Theater of Operations took a look at the quarterbacks (Part one, part two, part three) and running backs (part one). Today, we continue with the running backs by focusing on departing senior Jeffery Demps.
Just like Chris Rainey, Jeff Demps is another one of those "scat-backs" that the Gators seemed to prefer during the Urban Meyer era. Though Demps' best year for the orange and blue was probably 2009, his 2011 season was on par with the other two.
Demps finished the season with 569-yards rushing and 172-yards receiving. All six of his offensive touchdowns came of the rushing variety, but then again, Demps was never all that much of a threat receiving so that shouldn't be all that surprising. What is surprising though, is that in 2011, Demps had the lowest average per rush in his career. Then again, because the offense was more of a pro-style offense than in years past, I guess it actually isn't surprising.
The only three games of the season in which Demps was even a factor (read: games in which he amounted for more than 50-yards rushing) were Florida Atlantic, Kentucky and Vanderbilt. Yeah, we'll focus on those three games.
Play No. 1: Demps' 35-yard touchdown run against Florida Atlantic:
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
I'm like 99.9% sure, that the only thing you can't teach in sports is speed. Sure you can refine it, but realistically, you're either fast or you're not. Demps (yellow circle) is as we all know, fast.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Here Demps (yellow circle) is about to hit the first hole. Look up the field though, the blockers are already setting up.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
As Demps (yellow circle) hits the second hole, you'll notice that there is only one defender that can catch him.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
...and that defender (green circle) has the angle advantage and everything. But Demps (yellow circle) has other ideas.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Yeah, Demps just kicks it up a notch and blows the defender away for the touchdown.
Play No. 2: Demps' 84-yard touchdown run against Kentucky:
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Here we go again with the speed. Also, if I'm not mistaken, this is the longest play (not counting special teams) of Demps' (yellow circle) career.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Seeing pictures like this (and the one in the previous play above) kind of makes you wonder where this blocking was all season right? Yeah, me too.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Let's see how many defenders (green circles) Demps (yellow circle) outruns on this play shall we? So far, I count three. Yes, I see the guy at the bottom of the screen as well, just wait a second more will you! Jeez.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
That makes two more defenders (green circle) that Demps (yellow circle) blew past on this play. Now, I'm horrible at math, but I count five.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Right?
Play No. 3: Demps' 52-yard touchdown run against Vanderbilt:
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Apparently, speed isn't the only thing that Demps (yellow circle) brings to the table.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Demps (yellow circle) gets the pitch out wide and there is only one defender he has to beat for a touchdown. Notice though, the great one-on-one block in the middle of the screen.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
The majority of the time with Demps (yellow circle) a play like this would end at the 50-yardline.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
Not this time however. Demps puts an inside-outside juke move on the defender (yellow square) which of course makes for an easy touchdown.
(Photo courtesy of ESPN)
The defender still has no idea where Demps is at (yellow square) as he heads towards the endzone (yellow circle).
As we all know by now, Demps has decided to give up on football and focus on the London Olympics this summer. While Demps' decision is definitely more expected than surprising, it'll be interesting to see if he ever gives the NFL a chance in the future. Of course if he does well this summer, maybe he will stick with a USA Track and Field career in the same way that former Gator wide receiver John Capel has done.