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3 Realistic expectations for Donnel Pumphrey’s rookie campaign

By Jordan Sutton

Jan 28, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad running back Donnel Pumphrey of San Diego State (19) runs past North squad inside linebacker Haason Reddick of Temple (57) during the first quarter of the 2017 Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad running back Donnel Pumphrey of San Diego State (19) runs past North squad inside linebacker Haason Reddick of Temple (57) during the first quarter of the 2017 Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 4, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles (43) returns a punt against the Washington Redskins in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles (43) returns a punt against the Washington Redskins in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Return Ability

Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles /

Philadelphia Eagles

Pumphrey was never really asked to contribute much in the return game in college. He attempted a grand total of five returns for his entire collegiate career. Four of those returns came when he was a freshman.

Sproles, much like he does at the third-down back position, will most likely be ahead of him on the depth chart at this position as well.

Sproles is as effective a punt returner as they come, and there’s no reason to believe that won’t continue into this season. In regards to kick return duties, don’t be surprised to see someone such as wide receiver Shelton Gibson getting first crack at the opportunity thanks to his 4.39 speed.

Pumphrey may get a few returns here and there, but don’t expect too many. Unless there’s an injury (and we’re hoping there won’t be), Philadelphia appears to be set in the return game. It’s a safe bet to expect that his yardage numbers will only hovers around the 40-50 range. Anything more or less than that probably won’t be a realistic expectation.

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