Reports: Former UF running back Jeff Demps to sign with Patriots

Former UF running back Jeff Demps has agreed to a contract with the New England Patriots, according to the FOX TV News affiliate in Tampa and multiple sources.

Demps was being sought by several NFL teams and turned down serious interest from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The length and terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed.

Demps is expected to step in and fill a void at kick returner for New England. He will join several former Gators on the Patriots roster in defensive end Jermaine Cunningham, linebacker Brandon Spikes, tight end Aaron Hernandez, defensive tackle Gerard Warren and wide receiver Jabar Gaffney.

Spikes tweeted, "6 gators on the Pats now !!!!!!! #GrinchSmile the more the better !!" this afternoon.

After rushing for 2,470 yards and 23 touchdowns at Florida, Demps spent the spring concentrating on track and field and went to London as a part of the 4x100-meter relay team which took home a silver medal.