At 5-foot-9 and 170 pounds, Donnel Pumphrey came into the NFL with something to prove.

Almost a calendar year since the Eagles drafted him in the fourth round, Pumphrey has that same motivation. After spending almost all of his rookie season on injured reserve, Pumphrey still has everything to prove.

“I always play with a chip on my shoulder. When someone tells me I can’t do something, that motivates me more than anything. It makes me want to go do it even more. That’s the biggest thing,” Pumphrey said in an interview with Eagles Wire before exit interviews with the team in February.

“Coming up this season, I want to stay tunnel-visioned and stay focused on the main goal, which is making the 53-man roster and contributing towards the team’s success.”

In offseason workouts last year, Pumphrey was used in various packages that put him in matchups against linebackers in the passing game. He lined up in the backfield and was sent in motion to the outside.

Pumphrey worked from the slot as well during OTAs. He even caught screens out of the backfield. Additionally, he got the opportunity to run outside zone and run the ball inside.

Once training camp rolled around, Pumphrey was slowed by a calf muscle injury that caused him to miss practice. A disappointing rookie training camp — with a total of 26 carries for 49 yards and 13 receptions for 72 yards — was followed by a torn hamstring in practice that landed Pumphrey on IR.

Although he is the all-time FBS leader in rushing yards, Pumphrey never got to really showcase the talent that made him one of the most productive players in college football. He has the grit to run the ball inside when called upon, but Pumphrey wants to also resume his role as a pass-catching back and multipurpose player for the Eagles.

“I have talked to the coaches. They want to continue working on different packages with me. I am going to work on all route running this offseason, working on getting stronger and my catching ability,” Pumphrey said.

A full season with the Eagles at the NovaCare Complex has benefited Pumphrey. He said he is 185 pounds, with a goal of getting to 190 by the start of training camp. Pumphrey has worked to get stronger, especially in his lower body.

Seeing his team become Super Bowl champions has Pumphrey pumped up about coming back next season and helping the Eagles defend their title.

“I was able to see the highest level of football, but from a different perspective. That has made me super motivated to come back bigger and stronger next year,” Pumphrey said.

“I feel like I am a better player after being able to be around all the guys and be a part of the meetings. I am just so excited for this offseason and what’s to come this season. I can’t wait.”

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