Pumphrey aiming to pump up Birds’ running game
PHILADELPHIA >> One media availability is all took to theorize how Eagles rookie Donnel Pumphrey became the NCAA’s all-time leading rusher at San Diego State.
Thoughtfully listed at 5-8, 180 pounds, Pumphrey disappeared in the sea of less fit reporters and large camera people interviewing him. All you could hear was the voice. That snapshot was worth a thousand words.
Put bigger bodies in front of Pumphrey, add the 4.48 he ran in the 40-yard dash and you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to realize the linebackers who have to locate him as he hits the holes are in trouble. Big trouble.
“I definitely feel like it’s an advantage being my size,” Pumphrey said. “I am able to get behind those big linemen and then make guys miss once I get to the second level. After I get past the line it’s usually going to be a one-on-one situation. At that point I try to make them miss.”
The second level of media also did a double-take when it got to Pumphrey, a likable young man who doesn’t dodge questions about his size or fearlessness.
Eagles vice president of player personnel Joe Douglas kidded that the diminutive Pumphrey was “a little dog who thinks he’s a big dog.”
That’s not a joke, although Pumphrey laughed after hearing it.
“Oh yeah, most definitely I feel like a big dog,” Pumphrey said. “I feel like I play like it, as well. When I take the field, I feel like the biggest player out there. And nothing’s going to stop me.”
Pumphrey was eight years old the last time he wasn’t the littlest player on the football field. All he’s done since is use his instincts and running ability to break Marshall Faulk’s rushing records at SDS. Faulk helped him get it done on and off the field as they broke down game and practice video.
“I don’t really look at the numbers, I mean, because I definitely didn’t do it all by myself,” Pumphrey said. “He’s a Hall of Fame player. He’s helped me look at the game differently in the film room and he’s been a great friend to me. Hopefully I can make it at this next level and continue with my success.”
On paper, Pumphrey projects as a solid fit for the shotgun runs Carson Wentz could call if the safeties play deep. Pumphrey had 1,059 rushes for 6,405 yards (6.1 average) and 64 touchdowns in college.
Or Pumphrey could be the slot receiver matched up on some unsuspecting linebacker. He caught 99 passes for 1,039 yards (10.3) and five TDs at San Diego State.
The Eagles got him on video doing a little bit of everything at rookie camp.
“They had me running routes from the slot,” Pumphrey said. “And even from the running back’s point, it’s great being versatile. That’s what’s going to help me, being the most versatile back.”
Pumphrey obviously isn’t the guy you want picking up a blitz. Rather, he’s an invitation to blitz, more than even the more sturdily built Darren Sproles.
Then again, Pumphrey is so adept at making himself small and avoiding big hits that he never missed a game at SDS. The kid played all 54.
“Turf toe, that’s about it,” Pumphrey said of his worst injury. “I try to stay as healthy as possible. I know when to get down. It’s helped my game a lot.”
Eagles head coach Doug Pederson isn’t ready to concede he doesn’t have a three-down running back — at least a healthy one. Veteran Ryan Mathews would be that guy, but he’s more than a little injury prone. Currently he’s rehabilitating a neck injury.
Delaware native Wendell Smallwood was in and out of the lineup as a rookie with injuries.
That leaves Sproles, who seems best suited to a limited role, along with Pumphrey and possibly undrafted rookie Corey Clement (511, 220) of Nebraska.
“Donnel is here and Corey’s here, so we have a chance to work some guys in there,” Pederson said of his running back assortment. “I’m pleased with where we’re at. I’m excited where we’re at and the direction we’re headed in at that position.”
While it’s way early to project Pumphrey as a big contributor, it’s almost impossible not to root for him. This is a young man who performs despite constant criticism about his size. He won’t be bullied. He won’t be body-shamed.
“It’s not going to really change my job at all,” Pumphrey said. “I’m just going to continue taking the field one day at a time and continue to try to get better. Just try to play my game.”