FOXBORO — Demario “Pop” Douglas acquired his nickname from a late member of the family who handed away when he was younger.
If all goes effectively for Douglas subsequent week, the nickname will stick in New England for a distinct purpose.
He’ll have “popped” in his NFL debut.
“I’m excited for my first regular-season game and to make a statement,” Douglas instructed the Herald within the locker room Thursday. “I’m blessed to have this opportunity,”
The assertion, Douglas specified, is to show he can play on the professional degree. To present his sixth-round label doesn’t seize the participant he’s; a 5-foot-8, 192-pound dynamo who dazzled all through coaching camp and, one way or the other, in simply 5 preseason snaps.
“Really, I just want to go out there and play. I just want to have fun,” Douglas mentioned. “I love this game.”
Over the previous six weeks, Douglas has obtained each day suggestions from veteran teammates who imagine he might help the Patriots straight away. The 22-year-old mentioned he’s utilized their suggestions and methods and skilled fast enchancment. Two weeks into coaching camp, he surpassed 2022 second-round decide Tyquan Thornton on the depth chart.
“I love all my (defensive backs) because they all come and help me in film (study) and they’ll show me something and be like, ‘You should’ve done this.’ And then I’ll do it the next practice, and I’ll be like, ‘Man, you’re right,’” Douglas mentioned. “They’re really helpful.”
Pats linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley is amongst those that’s been impressed with Douglas. Bentley, who began as a fifth-round rookie in 2018, known as him a “bright spot.” Douglas at present tasks because the staff’s No. 4 receiver, behind veterans JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker and Kendrick Bourne.
But contemplating how Mac Jones turned to Douglas for a third-down conversion of their solely preseason sport collectively, when offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien additionally known as a display for Douglas, extra could possibly be in retailer for the diminutive rookie.
“With each season that comes up, you always look to see what rookies are gonna jump out and exceed expectations. He’s definitely done that,” Bentley mentioned. “He’s positively caught quite a lot of guys’ eyes, and clearly catching the coaches’ eyes may be the primary factor, however he’s caught quite a lot of gamers’ eyes.
“And that’s usually the toughest thing, is to get the respect of your teammates.”
The respect, it appears, is mutual.
“They critique everything. Every single thing. That’s what I salute them as teammates,” Douglas mentioned. “We’re not against each other. We’re a team.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com