A Different Temple Prospect to Look At

Temple's football program almost went the way of the dinosaur earlier this decade, being dropped from the Big East after the 2004 season because of non-competitiveness (they averaged two wins a year from 1991-2005), playing as an independent in 2005 and 2006, then joining the MAC for the 2007 season. Head coach Al Golden is the architect of the program's revival, and his recruitment of players like Jarrett is one reason the team earned a spot in the 2009 EagleBank Bowl -- the Owls' first postseason appearance since 1979.

Jarrett played every game of his true freshman season, starting six games at free safety, and recorded 61 tackles, one for loss, an interception and five pass breakups; he also earned Special Teams MVP that season. As a sophomore, he started all 12 games, leading the team with 88 tackles (1.5 for loss), three interceptions (four others broken up) and three recovered fumbles. Jarrett was named first-team All-Big East by league coaches in 2009 because not only was he second on the team with 76 tackles (two for loss), but also led the Owls with three interceptions and broke up seven other passes.

The former New York City high school football star displays good ball skills as a three-year starter at free safety and NFL scouts like the fact he plays the run like a linebacker. Jarrett also ran the 100 and 200 meters in high school track in high school and, if that sprinter's background shows up on the field and during postseason workouts, teams will pencil him in as a key reserve and special teams contributor early in his career and with the potential to become a starter.

Read & React: Intelligent player with the football instincts necessary to start at the next level. Though he likes to attack run plays before the snap, his quickness and football intelligence allows him to get back into the deep third to be a factor in play action. Patient on misdirection, keeps his eyes in the backfield, plants and drives to the ball once it's clear where the play is going.

Man Coverage: Not asked to play a lot of man coverage, but owns the speed, change-of-direction agility and physicality to handle tight ends and running backs man-up and trail receivers over the middle. Backpedal is good for a safety, stays low and fluid, and will plant and drive to close. Needs more experience in man coverage.

Zone Coverage: Plays the part of a versatile cover-two safety well. Reacts quickly and lays big hits on receivers sitting down in front of him, rarely misses the tackle. Also comes across the field to lay a shoulder into unwitting ballcarrier. Makes quarterbacks pay for poor decisions with interceptions, but will allow some throws with pace to go through his hands. Can dislodge the ball from receivers' hands during or after the catch with his hands or a big hit.

Closing/Recovery: Has the requisite speed for the position, able to close on the ball quickly as a run defender and while the ball is in the air. Capable blitzer, works hard to get through blocks inside, even though he lacks the bulk or strength to overwhelm them. Recovers from false steps quickly. Occasionally overpursues plays because of his aggressive nature.

Run Support: Willing and able in run support. Flows through traffic to the ball inside. Flies up from the secondary when smelling the run, drops his hips and pops backs in the hole or slams into backs with his shoulder to halt them. When lined up on the hash, gets outside the play to force it back inside to the linebackers. Defeat cut blocks with quickness and hands. Relatively strong but has only adequate size, can be easily washed out of plays by linemen and fullbacks.

Tackling: Solid in the open field, capable of breaking down and getting square and low to form tackle. Bring his hips to wrap and deliver a strong blow when attacking run plays near the line. Has enough speed to get angles on ballcarriers heading to the sideline. Will be the second or third body into a pile to stop its forward progress. Gives great effort but lacks great bulk and strength; bigger backs can through his tackle attempts if they have a head of steam. Also needs stronger hands to get off receiver blocks downfield more consistently. Long-time special teams contributor, can work inside and outside on coverage units and is on the hands team.

Intangibles: Took over as the secondary's leader during spring 2010 practices. Coaches have nothing but good words to say about him, as he works hard in the class room and puts in time studying the playbook and his opponent. First name pronounced JAY-kwahn. Won the team's 2009 J. Myron Honigman Award for Spirit, Dedication & Loyalty.