With Week 4 of the NFL season in the books, here are a few former Gators who made the most tangible impact for their respective teams.
Josh Evans, safety: With veteran safety Dwight Lowery recovering from a concussion he suffered in Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks, Evans filled in at starting safety for the Jacksonville Jaguars for the second consecutive Sunday — and he looked the part.
An impressive showing from recently acquired free agent Will Blackmon — one interception and a sack that produced a fumble — helped shore up the league’s third worst passing defense. But Evans’ showing was equally promising.
The former Gator combined for six tackles and one pass deflection while playing at both strong and free safety during the game.
At times, Evans played single-high safety in the Jaguars’ Cover-1 alignment but also made plays close to the line of scrimmage — a hallmark of his style of play at Florida.
Although he must continue to improve, Evans, a big, versatile safety, showed the growth and big-play ability needed to perform well at the position.
Jeff Demps, running back: When Demps announced he would return to track and miss five games at the start of the 2013 season, the New England Patriots traded the Olympic runner to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Tampa added Demps to the 53-man roster on Sept. 23, taking the place of tight end Luke Stocker, who was placed on injured reserve.
On Sunday, Demps showed off the versatility Bill Belichick was hoping to extract when the Patriots first signed him.
Demps excelled returning kicks with his track-runner speed, averaging 23 yards per return, including a long of 29 yards. The former Gator carried the ball for 14 yards on one rush and hauled in one catch for 8 yards.
With a dismal Bucs offense that benched its struggling quarterback in favor of unproven third-round draft pick Mike Glennon, Demps may see more touches moving forward.
Deonte Thompson, wide receiver: The Baltimore Ravens have spent much of the off-season, preseason and early weeks of the regular season searching for playmakers to replace the production of tight end Dennis Pitta and former wide receiver Anquan Boldin.
On Sunday, quarterback Joe Flacco may have found one.
Former Gator Deonte Thompson made his 2013 season debut after recovering from a foot injury in the preseason and made the most tangible impact of all Gators in Week 4.
Thompson ended the game with four catches for 50 yards, including a 33-yard strike down the sideline in the fourth quarter. On the play, Thompson was hit helmet-to-helmet and suffered a concussion that is not expected to cause him to miss a game.
The former Gator struggled to exceed expectations in Gainesville but showcased his adequate size and speed Sunday.
With receiver Marlon Brown sidelined with a thigh injury and his status for Week 4 currently uncertain, Thompson could see more first-team reps during practice before Sunday’s game, if he is healthy.
Notes: Former Gator safety Major Wright recorded his second interception of the season for the Chicago Bears against the Detroit Lions. Chicago is fifth in the NFL in interceptions with six this season.
Redskins tight end Jordan Reed was sidelined for Sunday’s game versus Oakland with a thigh contusion.
Follow Chuck Kingsbury on Twitter @ChuckKingsbury.
Indianapolis Colts receiver Reggie Wayne (87) catches a pass for a first down as he is tackled by Jacksonville Jaguars safety Josh Evans (26) during the Colts’ 34-3 victory on Sunday at EverBank Field in Jacksonville.
