UF added another name to its 2008 recruiting list with the verbal commitment of Groveland South Lake High running back Jeff Demps.
The 5-foot-8, 180-pound back chose the Gators over Tennessee, and his 4.35-second 40-yard dash speed should fit in well in Gainesville. Recruiting services have described Demps as both a receiver and running back, and Scout.com rates him as a four-star prospect.
"I just think for the spread offense that Florida runs, he's an ideal player," Scout.com recruiting analyst Mike Bakas said. "He's explosive, talented and fast enough that they'll find him a position. Whether it's in the return game, slot receiver or running back, he's the kind of kid you want to bring in and find a position later for him."
While his position may not be black-and-white, Demps did rush for 4,727 yards and 58 touchdowns in his prep career.
"I've seen him listed by some as a wide receiver," Bakas said. "I guess we'll have to wait and see, but to me he's a big-time running back prospect.
"I think he's a lot like Chris Rainey. He's just bigger than Chris. They're both 1,500-yard rushers, explosive in the return game and some of the fastest players in the state of Florida."
