Richmond, Va., – There are not many sixth round draft picks that come into the NFL and make an impact. However, the Washington Redskins may have found a diamond in the rough at the safety position in Kysheon Jarrett. Jarrett was a four-year player with the Virginia Tech Hokies before being drafted by the Redskins with the 181st pick in this year’s NFL draft. Over the years, Virginia Tech has produced many good players on defense such as Brandon Flowers of San Diego Chargers, Jason Worilds who recently retired, Kam Chancellor of the Seattle Seahawks, and Jarrett’s new teammate in Washington, DeAngelo Hall.
Since arriving at the Redskins training camp, Jarrett has been one of the most surprising players to some, but those who have seen him play at Virginia Tech knows that he playmaker at the next level. Jarrett’s potential has been on full display over training camp as he has made some good plays on defense including intercepting Kirk Cousins yesterday. Jarrett said that being a part of Frank Beamer’s system at Virginia Tech, where defense is emphasized, has helped him adapt to Joe Barry’s system in Washington.
“They teach you how to be pros and how you go about learning the defense,” Jarrett said. “I truly believe that it has helped me transition here and prepare myself.”
Even though the transition has been somewhat easy for him, he’s still adjusting to the speed of the NFL can be a little challenging. Redskins’ defensive coordinator, Joe Barry, has made the adjustment easier for Jarrett who was very complimentary of Joe Barry’s system in Washington. He has embraced the challenge of learning his system.
“I definitely like him as a coach and individual,” Jarrett said. “He brings great energy to the team. His plays feed off of the energy he has and it rubs off on us. With that, I see myself fitting in well. I just got to continue working, having objectives to complete each day, and continue to learn from the coaches and players.”
During his time with the Redskins, he has been learning the ropes from more experienced players such as Dashon Goldson, Chris Culliver, and DeAngelo Hall. He takes any opportunity that he can to learn from the veterans on defense.
Now that Jarrett dons the burgundy and gold, he stays loyal to the maroon and orange of Virginia Tech as he picked Virginia Tech to defeat the Ohio State Buckeyes on Labor Day in Blacksburg. Last season, Jarrett’s senior year at Virginia Tech, the Hokies upset the Buckeyes in Columbus 35-21.
