Four Colonials to NFL
December 8, 2010 - United Football League (UFL 1)
Hartford Colonials News Release
JACKSONVILLE, FL - Wednesday, December 8, 2010 - Four Hartford Colonials standouts have joined the NFL ranks as the number of stars of the 2010 United Football League season signing NFL contracts increases daily.
The number of Colonials in the NFL doubled Wednesday as four players who spent time in Hartford signed with NFL teams. The group includes safeties Emanuel Cook (NY Jets) and Quintin Demps (Houston Texans). Both players were added to the active roster. Wide receiver Pat Carter (Miami Dolphins) and tight end Tyson DeVree (Cleveland Browns) were signed to practice squads.
"The UFL is a great league for players looking to get into the NFL," said Carter, who had 23 receptions for 336 yards and one touchdown this season. "The attention to detail that the UFL provides beats any training a player could buy. I am and forever will be an advocate for the UFL."
The Colonials have had eight players sign with NFL teams, the most by any UFL team. The list also includes running back Lorenzo Booker (Minnesota Vikings), offensive linemen Jacob Bender (Washington Redskins) and Colin Brown (Baltimore Ravens), and defensive end Derek Walker (Seattle Seahawks).
Demps, a late-season acquisition by the Colonials, had eight total tackles in two games with Hartford. He returned an interception 73 yards for a touchdown in a 27-14 victory over Las Vegas on November 20.
"I really believe the UFL helped me get back to the NFL," said Demps, who played 25 games with the Eagles in 2008-09. "I think the UFL is a great place to play for someone looking to get back in the NFL. On top of that it was a lot of fun to play with the guys. I'm really grateful for the opportunity with the Hartford Colonials."
A two-year NFL veteran who originally was a fourth-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2008 NFL draft, Demps played in 25 games with the Eagles in 2008 and 2009. He recorded 32 total tackles, a sack and an interception, and also returned 58 kickoffs for 1,469 yards and a touchdown. Demps' best season came as a rookie in 2008, playing in all 16 games and returning 52 kickoffs and 1,314 yards and a score while making 18 total tackles.
UFL players signing to an active NFL roster are subject to a $25,000 transfer fee that may be paid by either a personal player payment or a NFL team payment.
Cook joined the Colonials after being released by the Jets on September 3. He was second on the team with 32 total tackles, and had one sack and a forced fumble. Originally an undrafted free agent with the Jets in 2009, he also has been on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad.
DeVree had 18 catches for 174 yards and led the team with three touchdown receptions. Originally an undrafted free agent with the New England Patriots in 2008, DeVree played in two games for the Patriots as a rookie, and also was in training camp with the Patriots and Buffalo Bills in 2009.
United Football League Stories from December 8, 2010
- Four Colonials to NFL - Hartford Colonials
- NY Jets Sign Locos CB Trufant - Las Vegas Locomotives
- NFL Teams Sign Hartford Colonials Players - Hartford Colonials
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
