Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Colton Dempsey

Colton Dempsey is a 5-foot-9, 175-pound rising senior running back who transferred from Lakewood Ranch High to Sarasota this summer. 

Dempsey rushed 147 times for 1,015 yards (6.9 yards per rush) with 13 rushing touchdowns and caught 11 passes for 128 yards as a junior last year with the Mustangs. 

Dempsey has spent most of this summer rehabbing from a sports hernia that hampered him in his spring game with Lakewood Ranch, but is optimistic about his impact on the Sailors’ offense this fall.

When and why did you start playing football?

I started playing tackle football when I was in third grade. I started playing flag football when I was in first grade, around 5 years old. I started playing football mostly because my dad (Nathan Dempsey) was a running back in high school and played at Ferris State, a Division-II college in Michigan. I kinda wanted to be like my dad, and started playing and loved it. 

What has been the most memorable moment this summer?

Watching how good our offense is going to be. We’re going to have a really good pass game, and we did not have that at Lakewood Ranch. It’s going to be nice for me in the run game, and I’ll be able to open up the pass game. I’m going to complement Hudson (West) and he’s going to complement me. It’s been super cool to see that, and us dominate teams in seven-on-seven.

What is your favorite all-time football memory?

When I was a sophomore at Bradenton Christian, we beat Saint Stephen’s and our school hadn’t beaten them in 13 years or so. They stopped playing us because we got good, and they finally scheduled us again, and they came over and it was a very close low-scoring game, but we beat them. We had a crazy party in the locker room and it was a ton of fun. 

What has gone right for you this summer?

I’m getting smarter. My (football) IQ is always getting better. I’ve been helping out the younger guys. As a senior and a captain, I’m helping out to get ready for this season and one more ride.

Do you feel like your injury is impacting your collegiate recruitment?

I don’t know if a lot of college coaches know about it, but it was definitely tough because some coaches came to my spring game. They said I still played well, but it definitely sucks being out and not being able to go to any camps. I would have gone to a lot of college camps, but it took me out of that.

What has been your most humbling moment in football?

In the spring, I was trying to pick up a block from a linebacker and I got smacked pretty hard. I didn’t fall down, but he sent me back a couple of yards. That was a little humbling. I looked around to see if anyone saw that.

What is your favorite meal to eat?

I’m usually a ribeye guy. I love steaks, but lately I’ve liked a nice cheeseburger.

What is your favorite TV show or movie?

I like watching Marvel movies. Me and my family liked those Marvel movies when I was younger. Lately I just watch a lot of college and NFL highlights. 

What is your go-to warm-up song?

Usually what’s playing, but I like to get in my own space and visualize me running the ball in the game and scoring touchdowns. Picking the right hole to hit, making the right reads and us getting the win. I definitely do like some music before games. I like NBA Youngboy before games and Rod Wave after games.

If you’re not playing football, what are you doing?

Chilling at the house. I play video games, like NCAA Football, a little bit but not too much. I like to hang out with friends.

Who is your favorite football player and why?

I used to be a big Russell Wilson fan. I used to love to watch Russell Wilson, but I’m a Lions fan, so I like Jahmyr Gibbs a ton. 

Finish this sentence. Colton Dempsey is…

One to watch out for.