Jason Geathers does it all for Arena Football League's SaberCats

Jul/27/08 07:42 PM Filed in: Jason Geathers
JasonGeathers
Jason Geathers says no matter where you put him on a football field, he will make plays.

He isn't kidding.

The former Spanish River High and University of Miami standout became the first player in Arena Football League history last week to score a touchdown three different ways.

He caught two scores, ran for another and returned an interception to lead San Jose to today's Arena Bowl with an 81-55 win against Grand Rapids.

Those heroics were nothing new for Geathers, who was named to the AFL's All-Ironman Team for the second consecutive season.

"Wherever you put me, I'm going to make plays," said Geathers, who will line up today as a receiver, linebacker and kick returner against the Philadelphia Soul. "It doesn't matter where I am, you can't stop me."

Geathers, 27, has found a home in San Jose after failing to stick with the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants in the NFL. He hasn't given up on playing in the NFL, but realizes there's a lot about that possibility he can't control.

"I know I can play in the NFL, but it's all about getting the right opportunity," he said. "You've got to be in the right situation and not just go in there as a "camp body." There's a lot of guys in this league who can play at the next level."

Geathers was a running back when the Hurricanes won the national championship in 2001. He has become more defense-oriented in the AFL, leading the SaberCats with four fumble recoveries and is fifth in tackles.

"Jason is one of the best athletes this league has to offer," San Jose General Manager Darren Arbet said.

After his performance last week, Geathers was being compared to former AFL star Barry Wagner, who won the AFL's "Ironman Award" six times.

"Wow. I really appreciate that," Geathers said. "He's a legend (in this game). That's a great compliment."

Today, it's the SaberCats who try to make history if they win consecutive Arena Bowls. The last team to do that was the Tampa Bay Storm (1995-96).

"We're going to win — that's a guarantee," Geathers said. "I have no problem saying that because I have that much confidence in my team. You can put that in bold print."

(pambeachpost.com)