A really good, physical linebacker is a gift for a team. A really good corner or safety is a gem for a team. But a really good defensive end is almost a must for a team. A defensive end who is disruptive versus the run and harassing versus the pass can take a defense from average to good because his efforts can cover up some weaknesses in the defense as a whole.
Jaharie Martin at Lake Gibson is not alone on his defensive line and has some pretty good players behind him at linebacker and in the secondary. However, his production speaks volumes and suggest that he is one of those defensive players who can elevate the entire play of the Braves defense. Last season he was 5th on the team in total tackles (74) and third on the team in tackles for loss (16).
Head coach Doug Demeyer had this to say about his rising junior defensive end, “Jaharie has a tremendous work ethic and he is motivated each and every day to get better. He is very competitive and he is full speed with everything that he does. He had a tremendous off season in the weight room (375 pound bench, 500 squat and 285 power clean). He pushes everyone around him to be better with his competitive spirit. He is going to attend FSU, Georgia Tech and Maryland camps this summer.” Take a look at Mr. Martin in the video below. Spring game and spring practice clips mixed in.