Demps opts for track, Olympics over football, NFL

Posted Jan 13, 2012 by TBO.com

Updated Jan 13, 2012 at 09:52 AM

Florida running back Jeff Demps is giving up his football career to focus on track and the 2012 Olympics. Demps wants to vie for a spot on the U.S. track and field team, so he won’t attend any college football all-star games or take part in any NFL draft workouts.

Demps finished his career with 2,470 yards rushing and 23 touchdowns. He had 569 yards rushing and six touchdowns this past season. He also was a dangerous kickoff returner, averaging 28.8 yards a return in his four-year career.

On the track, Demps is a four-time national champion. Demps is the two-time defending NCAA Indoor 60-meter champion. He showed Olympic potential when he set a 100-meter junior world record (10.01 seconds) at the 2008 Olympic Trials, challenging Olympian Tyson Gay stride for stride in the heat.