PORT ST. LUCIE – It has been a great junior season for Jahari Grant.
The Treasure Coast defensive tackle posted the following statistics in 10 games played:
•41 tackles
•8 sacks
•1 forced fumble
•1 fumble recovery for a touchdown
The 6-foot-2, 280-pound defensive tackle is a player who is more defined by his level of impact on the gridiron than anything else. Here is an example worth watching.
One standout performance for Grant was a Week 9 showdown with Centennial. It was a fumble recovery for a touchdown that helped Treasure Coast earn a 40-7 win.
This play is a key reason why Grant was chosen as our co-Defensive Player of the Year.
“It makes me feel good that all my hard work I put in is showing,” Grant said.
There was another standout game for Grant, which came in Week 10 at Vero Beach. Though the result was a 10-7 overtime loss, Grant played quite well in this one, as he recorded three tackles (all for loss), two sacks, and a forced fumble.
You can see the play unfolding for Grant right below.
And then in two games against Martin County – both were blowout wins – Grant really showed out on the field.
In the Week 4 matchup, Grant tallied four tackles and one sack. This happened in one half of play that resulted in a 28-7 win for Treasure Coast.
Grant broke down how his sack happened, which came in the second quarter.
“I think it was second down and I was lined up in a three-technique,” Grant said. “I seen the linemen were in a pass set, so when I got off the ball, I watched him kick step back and I did a push-and-pull. And I just saw me and the quarterback in the backfield.”
In the playoff game against Martin County – a 35-7 win – Grant had six tackles and a sack. He broke down his sack play.
“It might’ve been third down and Christian [Ware] made the quarterback step up in the pocket,” Grant said. “I was just there to clean it up.”
Though the season ended in a 10-7 road to Osceola (Kissimmee), Grant made sure to leave him impact on the field in Kissimmee. He finished with three tackles, but his presence helped create opportunities for his defensive teammates to shine in that one.
Photo credits: Mark Riemer
Treasure Coast head coach Irvin Jones reflected on Grant’s junior campaign.
“Jahari had a great season for us,” Jones said. “He was very dominate and fought through a lot of double teams. We look forward to watch him build on what he started last year. It’s his time to lead.”
Grant showed his level of gratitude to Jones for his development on the field and beyond.
“Coach Jones keeps us well prepared by having us break down film on the team we have for the week,” Grant said. “He teaches us new techniques to help us for that opponent that week.”
With all that said, Grant has garnered three offers from USF, FAU, and Liberty.
There could – and should – be more on the way in the not-too-distant future.
“I put a lot of good film out,” Grant said. “I’m hoping it’s going to pick up.”
PHOTO CREDITS: Mark Riemer and
VIDEO CREDITS: John Rich
