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Patriots Blog: Early Thoughts On Demps

BOSTON (CBS) - Rookie Jeff Demps has had two practices with the Patriots, and there are some early reviews rolling in.

The Olympic silver medalist has the speed, and it's obvious hows fast he is when he's out there.

"Speed kills. He's always going to have that," said Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes, who was teammates with Demps during their time as Florida Gators. "That's the number-one thing he brings to the game. It could go at any time when he gets the ball in his hands. It's good that we have that threat on our offense."

But listed at only 5-foot-7 and 183 pounds, many would feel that Demps wouldn't want to mix it up. Well, he took part in the one-on-one blitz drills and performed extremely well.

Read: Welker Doesn't Practice, Likely Won't Play Friday

"I remember him putting his head in there, being a smaller guy. He has great heart and a lot of fight," said Spikes. "I'm just happy he's on the team."

Spikes is obviously impressed with the Patriots new pick up, the fourth member of the 2008 National Championship Gators on the roster, and we might get our first glimpse of Demps on Friday night against the Buccaneers.

The speedster will likely be used primarily as a returner on kickoffs, and could provide New England with a decent threat to go endzone to endzone.

Read: Levan Reid's Patriots Blog

They haven't had someone like that since Ellis Hobbs, which is surprising on a Bill Belichick team. He places such a strong emphasis on special teams, so it should be no surprise they jumped at the chance to sign Demps.

Now we just have to see what he can on the field.

Follow Levan Reid on CBSBostonsports.com and on Twitter @LevanReid all Patriots' season long! 

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