As NFL front offices swoop in to eyeball Olympic silver medalist Jeff Demps, the New York Jets are preparing to unleash their secret weapon on the recruiting front.
You guessed it -- Tim Tebow.
Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com reported the Jets are "very interested" in Demps, the free-agent running back who was part of the 400-meter relay team that finished second to Jamaica in London. Seven or eight teams are hovering, and agent Daniel Rose said Demps -- hot for a Super Bowl ring -- is expected to make a decision by Thursday night.
Tebow played with Demps at the University of Florida in 2008 and 2009. The quarterback was approached by general manager Mike Tannenbaum before a media session Thursday and agreed to reach out to Demps "as a friend" (with an agenda).
"They asked me about him," Tebow said. "Jeff is a great guy and a great player. He's someone I was proud to play with in college and he did a great job for us. ... Would we love to have him? Absolutely. I'd love to have him as a teammate because I know how hard he works and what he brings to the table."
The 5-foot-7, 175-pound Demps ran for 2,470 yards and 23 touchdowns in four seasons at Florida. Teams have come calling because of his speed, but one personnel executive isn't optimistic: "(He's) a (kick) returner that maybe you can sprinkle in as a role player," he told the ESPNNewYork.com. "He's a wrinkle player, but a luxury player on a tight, 53-man roster. I doubt he'd have an inside presence if they used him in the Wildcat."
The Jets have nothing to lose here. Demps won't cost much and part of the pleasure is snatching him away from opponents (namely Bill Belichick).
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.