University of Florida running back Jeff Demps will forgo the NFL Draft and instead focus on a professional track and field career, according to GatorZone.com. Demps will run for Florida in the spring before turning pro.

“Once I got done with the Gator Bowl, I kind of already had my mind made up, it was just when was I going to tell everyone,’’ Demps told the website. “I enjoy track and it’s something I love to do. When I’m out here, I’m enjoying myself and having fun with the guys. I wanted to come back and run. It’s somewhat of an individual sport, but it’s also a team sport. You win championships as a team.”

Demps finished his career as the eighth leading rusher in Florida history. He tallied 2,470 yards and 23 touchdowns and was a member of the 2008 national championship team. Demps’ football achievements never took his attention from his Olympic goals.

“One of his goals is to be an Olympian and to be a professional track-and-field athlete,’’ Florida track coach Mike Holloway said. “My job is to now help him get ready for that. We are going to do like we always do. We’re going to take care of the indoor season. We want to do this right. The other thing is that it’s going to be a long summer. We want to be positive about this and we plan on being in London. We’ve got to be patient and take things step by step.”