When Will Muschamp took the podium at SEC Media Days Wednesday, he said he expected running back Jeff Demps to play for Florida this year rather than pursue a career in professional track. But he stopped short of guaranteeing it, saying Demps was currently in Italy for track reasons and he would have to meet with him "eyeball-to-eyeball" to know his plans for certain.According to a report from ESPN, that eyeball-to-eyeball meeting should happen Friday. Demps is reportedly back in Gainesville, Fla., and prepared to talk to Muschamp face-to-face.
The expected result of those meetings?
Demps giving his pledge to play for the Gators in 2011. It would be a huge boost for Muschamp's wobbly offense, which finished 10th in the SEC in total offense a year ago and could ill afford to lose their leading rusher and best home-run threat -- particularly with John Brantley's competence as a passer still a matter of debate.
Demps still won't be the kind of inside-the-tackles power runner Muschamp and Charlie Weis will want, long term, for their physical pro-style offense. But where 2011 is concerned, he's still the best option Florida will have -- and if he does officially rejoin the Gators today, it's going to be a very good day indeed for Muschamp.
