BELLE GLADE – Connection means a lot to Semaj Demps.
The Glades Central 2023 wide receiver made that clear when he pledged his verbal commitment this afternoon (July 1) to Purdue.
This announcement was made on Demps’ Twitter account.
“I love the coaches and players,” said Demps, who is ranked as our No. 3 wide receiver and No. 14 overall player in Palm Beach County. “They let me know I could fit in there easily. They all have a great personality. I had a one-on-one talk with every coach.”
Demps spoke on Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm.
“Coach Brohm is a good man,” the 5-foot-8, 170-pound speedster said. “He spoke about how well I play on offense and how he can use at special teams.”
Demps (40 receptions, 779 yards, 11 touchdowns in his junior season at Glades Central) is projected to play primarily as a wide receiver and for some plays at running back. He is also seen by Purdue coaches as one who can return punts and kicks on special teams.
Demps spoke of his official visit to Purdue, which took place from June 24 to June 26.
“It was a great one,” Demps said. “After the flight, we had an hour ride to the Purdue camp. We had lots of laughs on the way there. I spoke with the wide receiver coach (JaMarcus Shephard) off the rip and made jokes. It was very fun overall. I chilled and played Madden with the guys there.”
Demps said his host was Purdue wide receiver Deion Burks.
“He (Deion Burks) told me, ‘You should be in the playbook as soon as you get there,”Demps recalled from his time with Burks. “If you’re not in the playbook, it’s going to be hard for you to get on the field. You have to know what you’re doing out there.’”
Demps chose Purdue over Mississippi State. These two Power 5 colleges were his top options.
With that said, Demps was looking for more than just an ideal college football home.
“I want to be part of a great academic program,” Demps said. “I’m going to major in business and construction because my dad (James Demps Jr.) has a construction business. I want to keep his business going and keep it in the family.”
Demps was realistic about his goals for both the next level and beyond.
“My dream is to go play in the NFL,” Demps said. “But I realize things can happen along the way. The construction business is both my main and backup plan, so I’m good no matter what.”
Demps took the time to credit his two most recent head coaches: Travis Moore (current Glades Central head coach) and Rashad Jackson (former Glades Central head coach; current Inlet Grove head coach).
Demps started with Moore.
“He’s big on responsibility,” Demps said. “He wants me to control what I could control. He wants me to take responsibility for what I do on the field and off the field for great results.”
Demps ended with Jackson.
“He’s a great guy who likes to have fun,”Demps said. “He loves a challenge. He’ll do anything to get his players better and ready for the next level.”
Even as the Purdue commitment just took place, Demps is focused now on his senior season at Glades Central.
“I’m going for at least 1,000 yards this season,” Demps said. “There will be more improvements for me, from my work ethic to the stats. More explosiveness.”
PHOTO CREDITS: Purdue Football
