SAN JOSE, Calif. (July 23,
2008) - One of the most gifted all-round athletes
in the history of University of Miami football,
Jason Geathers was an un-drafted free agent when
his eligibility expired after the 2003 season.
In some ways the 6-foot-2, 205-pound Geathers may have
performed so well at various positions, National
Football League player personnel types were unsure
where the talented youngster could be best suited.
Geathers now readies himself for the San Jose
SaberCats' fourth trip to an Arena Football League
championship. The SaberCats (13-5) will play the
Philadelphia Soul (15-3) in ArenaBowl XXII, Sunday in
New Orleans (ABC/HD 12 noon PT)
Having a "cup of coffee" with the Cleveland Browns and
the New York Giants in 2004 and early 2005, Jason found
the taste of only training camp and practice squads
bitter.
A five-position player at Spanish River High School in
Boca Raton, Florida, Miami whittled it down to only
running back and receiver. "I just enjoyed playing,"
Geathers said of his total football exploits. "I played
a lot of positions since beginning my football career.
At times, I didn't know what I wanted to play, but at
Miami, I chose offense."
All this has paid off for the San Jose SaberCats. A
call in 2006 from one of Jason's high school football
coaches to then defensive coordinator Kevin Guy
prompted the SaberCats to bring Geathers in for an
audition. They liked his size, speed, agility and
attitude. "I enjoy the game, no matter where I can make
a play," the receiver-linebacker said after San Jose's
American Conference win against the Grand Rapids
Rampage.
Geathers showed why, in that 81-55 manhandling, he may
be the resurrection of the consummate AFL "Ironman."
Since the introduction of one platoon football in the
AFL last season, the all-round football entertainer has
nearly been forgotten.
Against the Rampage, Geathers had four pass receptions
for 52 yards, including touchdowns of 14 and nine
yards; ran the ball three times for 18 yards, including
a 14-yard TD scamper; added an assisted tackle and pass
break up; and scored on a game-ending 29-yard pass
interception.
This impelled the game's founder Jim Foster - there to
present the American Conference trophy - to say: "He
certainly looked like a young Barry Wagner in that
game."
"Wow. I really appreciate that," said Geathers with a
grateful giggle of being compared with the former
six-time "AFL Ironman Award" winner, who played with
San Jose from 2000 to 2006. "He's a legend (in this
game). That's a great compliment."
Wagner was in his final season when Jason joined the
SaberCats in 2006. "Wags was a great guy; hard working
too," Geathers continued. "He taught me the angles of
the game. Oh yes, I learned a lot from him."
Geathers, the SaberCats' Jack' linebacker, replaced
All-AFL receiver James Roe, who was injured in the
first playoff game against Colorado. Jason, played
nearly 60 downs against Grand Rapids. A throwback to
the old Ironman days of Arena Football, Geathers
started on both sides of the ball.
After playing in only five games his rookie season,
Geathers broke into the lineup 14 times last season. In
each of those games, he proved his worth on offense (54
catches, 582 yards, 11 TDs), defense (24.5 tackles, 3.5
for loss, pass breakup and forced fumble), and on
special teams. He also ran the ball twice.
In last year's playoffs, Jason was relegated to special
teams play and had 1.5 tackles on the kickoff team
against Colorado. Unfortunately, he did not play in the
ArenaBowl XXI game against Columbus, but was just as
much a part of the team available from the 24-man
roster.
On Sunday he'll have one of the most important roles
since he played in the Fiesta and Orange Bowls during
his college tenure.
"I won't let anyone down," he said of performing to the
best of his abilities for the fans and team. "I've
worked hard for this. I'm detailed and prepared, and
always ready.
"It's time to get another ring."
(oursportscentral.com)