Wednesday, Nov. 04, 2009

Geathers makes every snap count

Jarvis Geathers is one of the most feared pass rushers in Conference USA, yet he doesn't even start for his own team.

Despite starting just one of the Central Florida's eight games this season, the senior defensive end from Andrews is among the league leaders in several defensive statistics. Since he rarely starts - he hasn't done so since the season opener against Samford - he's learned to make each snap count.

"When I go into the game I know I'm not getting that many plays, so I know I have to make plays during the short time that I have," said Geathers, the son of former Choppee and NFL defensive lineman Jumpy Geathers.

"I just try and do my part. On our defense, everybody has a role. I just try and do as much as I can."

The 6-foot-3, 235-pounder, who spent two years at Feather River Community College (Calif.) before transferring to UCF, typically enters the game on third downs for the Golden Knights.

He has 18 tackles, including 9.5 for loss, which is tied for second best in the conference. His seven sacks trail only teammate Bruce Miller, who starts and receives many more snaps, for the conference lead.

Geathers also has five quarterback hurries and three forced fumbles. He forced two crucial second-half fumbles in UCF's 23-17 comeback win over Buffalo this season.

Geathers will have a chance to help the Golden Knights (5-3) pull a monumental upset this Saturday, when they visit No. 2 Texas. The Longhorns are 8-0 and will likely reach the BCS national championship game unless they are upset in one of their next five games.

"It's a great opportunity," Geathers said. "We've just got to come out ready to play, the whole defense and UCF as a whole."

Sitting pretty

Former North Myrtle Beach standout Jermaine Vereen was on the verge of playing this season at Western Michigan, but his coaches pulled the plug on that idea before the season opener against Michigan.

The 5-foot-10, 185-pound true freshman corner/safety instead has spent the fall redshirting.

He thinks that experience has benefitted him.

"I was playing, but I wasn't really playing enough, so the coaches didn't want to waste a year on me playing special teams," said Vereen, a Toast of the Coast corner for the Chiefs in 2008.

"I've learned a lot [by redshirting]. It's taught me to be hungrier and to come out with the right attitude."

There had been some talk of Vereen playing slot receiver at the next level, but he's spent the entire fall bouncing back and forth between corner and safety.

Vereen said he's really enjoyed his time playing free safety, the position he could man for the Broncos in 2010.