TAMPA BAY, NEW YORK JETS DOWN IN THE DEMPS

Silver medalist and world-class sprinter Jeff Demps has signed on with the New England Patriots. The undrafted former Florida running back was not drafted because he wanted to focus on his track career. The Olympics were calling and Demps spotted silver on his resume’

Demps football agent confirmed that he had interested the Buccaneers and Jets, who seemed to hesitate, and the Patriots just swooped right in and signed him. If you ever wonder why the New England club is a constant winner, it is because of signings like Demps and the hesitation of other teams.

Demps earned the Olympic silver medal in the 4x100 relay as part of the U.S. team that finished second to Jamaica at the Olympics.

''Good with the ball, good speed, caught the ball OK, a little bit undersized,'' Caserio said. ''Florida has had a track record of some pretty good football players that have come out of there. But any time we go into a school, we'll look at everybody regardless of whatever their circumstance is.''

Demps college career is highlighted by the fact that he had 2,470 career yards rushing and 23 touchdowns in four seasons with the Gators, averaging 28.8 yards a return and also won multiple national championships in track and field. Demps played in 51 games at Florida. The 5-foot-7, 191-pounder finished his career with 367 carries and a 6.7-yard average.

''Obviously, he wants to get to work,'' Rose said earlier this week. ''He had some commitments he had to finish up with the Olympics, and we've been very honest and open with the teams. Now, that's all over with and he can go to sleep and wake up Thursday morning and focus on football.''

''He's speed, the NFL is about speed and there's so much you can do with a guy like that if used correctly. He could be a kick returner, slot receiver, stuff like that. There’s gadget plays teams can come up with.”  Rose said.

Most teams have a player or two like Demps. Some make it big and some don’t. The fact to the matter is that every team wants to find lightning in a bottle, and Demps would be just that. He is an athlete: he could excel on kick-off returns, wild cat formations and even be dangerous in the red zone. I think it is an excellent move by the Patriots that will help them win their division once again.

That’s all I wrote, folks!