6 rings: the summer of demario douglas
Demario Douglas’ nickname is "Pop".
"'Pop' — I got that from my granddad," The rookie pass catcher told the media last month in his introductory Patriots press conference. "He passed away on my birthday when I turned one. So, I’ve always been called ‘Poppa,’ but a lot of grown people don’t like to say 'Poppa,' so they say ‘Pop.'"
Well "pop" is exactly what Douglas did on the practice fields outside of Gillette Stadium on Sunday. The sixth-round pick out of Liberty put his quick, shifty route-running on full display, beating several veteran NFL cornerbacks for not only receptions, but touchdowns.
“I’ve been going with everybody,” said Douglas, who has already some first team reps with the Patriots receivers, following Sunday’s practice. “Whoever I go with I feel like I’m gonna go out there and do what I have to do… I believe I just need to go out there show out you know, the coaches what I can do.”
At one point during Sunday’s session, Douglas beat coverage for a touchdown in which he had to re-adjust his body to make the snag. It received a two-hands-up “touchdown” motion from Bill Belichick, who was watching behind the play.
The Patriots' head coach has had some high praise for New England’s rookie class so far this training camp, specifically on Douglas. Belichick said he’s “a smart kid” and has picked up the NFL quickly, being able to play all over the formation.
Douglas was asked about these comments on Sunday, saying that “I want to be able to play wherever he needs me.”
He was also asked about his wide receivers coach, Troy Brown, and the other small-framed pass catchers the Patriots have had success with over the last 20+ seasons (Douglas is 5-foot-8):
“I watch what they do [on film], because they were successful and I want to be successful.”
If Douglas continues this success (or “pop”), as he has over this first week he’ll not only have a real shot at making the roster, but contributing meaningful plays for the Patriots offense in 2023.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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