Eagles Add Explosion to Offense with Pumphrey
You can't teach speed.
When it comes to speed, new Eagles running back Donnel Pumphrey, has plenty of it.
Pumphrey, after all, posted one of the fastest 40-yard dash time at the Combine for a running back at 4.48 seconds.
Furthermore, with Darren Sproles entering his age-34 and most likely his season in 2017, it makes perfect sense that Philadelphia traded up and spent its second fourth-round pick, No. 132 overall, on the San Diego State running back.
“With Pumphrey, the thing that stands out the most is prolific production," Eagles Vice President of Player Personnel Joe Douglas said. "He's set every record. You’re talking about a guy that broke [Pro Football Hall of Fame RB] Marshall Faulk's record.
A 5-foot-8, 176-pound back, the initial comparison for Pumphrey in Philadelphia is Sproles, but while they are both small in stature, Sproles has a bit more of a stockier build than Pumphrey.
“Lightning feet. Great feet and great hands," Douglas explained. "And don't let the size fool you: this guy, he's a little dog that thinks he's a big dog, and he plays that way. I love the way he plays, and I love how productive he is.”.”
Pumphrey acknowledged that he was excited for the opportunity to be able to come in and work alongside Sproles and even looked up to him when he played for the San Diego Chargers, and understands the comparisons that will come.
“I just try to make guys miss and when it’s time to get down, I get down," Pumphrey said via conference call. "I really don’t think about injuries or anything like that. I just play football to play. I know injuries come with the game and I just give my all every chance I get, every time I step on the field. I just thank God for it all. I haven’t gotten hurt and it’s been a blessing.”
Last year, as a senior, Pumphrey he ran for a career high 2,133 yards and 17 touchdowns on 349 carries while adding 231 yards on 27 catches.
In four seasons with the Aztecs, he amassed an NCAA record 6,405 yards and 62 touchdowns on the ground, 1,039 yards and five touchdowns through the air.
He twice earned Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year and is the NCAA’s all-time leading rusher.
With the Eagles, he is likely to see most of his action in a speciality role, lining him up in the backfield and the slot - something he is used to doing from his college days.
“Oh, yeah. At San Diego State, whenever we were passing the ball, they motioned me out a lot," Pumphrey acknowledged. "I’m looking forward to it all. I feel like I could even translate moving to the slot if they needed me in that spot.”
Last season, the Eagles offense lacked explosion, suffice to say, adding Pumphrey should help that issue.
“I’m ready to do whatever it takes to show that I can earn a role on this team,” he said.
He'll have his chance to contribute right away.