“Our linebackers as a whole, we’re going to get after it. We’ve got playmakers and the linebackers always lead this defense. Over the history of this Steelers defense, it’s been near the top for many years. I know the names. It’s an honor, truly an honor to play this position for this team and I want to take on that challenge.” ~Jarvis Jones (interview with SI)

Ham, Lambert, Lloyd, Gildon, Greene, Porter and Harrison – their very names send shivers down one’s spine. The ferocity with which they played, the instinct to attack repeatedly until their target was subdued is what Steelers football is all about. Welcome to Steeler Nation, Jarvis Jones.

As a Flordia Gators fan I was reluctant heading into the draft to want Jarvis Jones, as the Gators-Bulldogs rivalry is as nasty as they come. But truthfully, I really wanted him to don Steelers black. So when he was taken with the 17th pick, I silently yelled, too afraid to give in entirely, but too elated to do nothing. Jarvis Jones became a Steeler, full of promise, but also with high expectations. I was salivating at the chance to have this kid molded by the great Dick LeBeau.

Of course you will remember that before he tested positively for cervical spinal stenosis (narrowing of spinal column in his neck), he was one of the nation’s most sought after defensive players, expected to go very high in the draft. But after the diagnosis, his stock fell a bit and even the Steelers were surprised to have had the chance to take him – they hadn’t even selected him for a combine interview. It didn’t help when he ran a pretty slow 4.9 40-yard, but from what I hear that’s not an issue in camp.

Nonetheless, he was taken, and as Steeler Nation digested their new guy, expectations began. Not only was he expected to replace one of the best defensive players over the past decade in James Harrison, but he was instantly mentioned alongside the Lamberts and Lloyds of Steelers history. It’s not that anyone was saying he would one day be amongst those figures of Steeler lore, but they were saying that he could one day be there. Of course nothing in life is certain, and in football anything can happen.

So why does this rookie who has never touched a ball at the professional level in a meaningful situation have such high expectations? Well, he was just that good in college. In 2012, Jones amassed 24 sacks, led the nation with 24.5 tackles for loss and added seven forced fumbles He was a beast, a defensive juggernaut who played with the same ferocity that the Steeler legends did, and because of that, because of his potential to be so great, he may be earning his spot as a starting outside linebacker for the Linebacker Factory that is Pittsburgh football.

The word out of camp is that the Steeler coaching staff, and players for that matter, have been more than impressed with his speed and physical play. In fact, ILB Lawrence Timmons lauded Jones, commenting, “He’s very explosive and has a nice motor on him. The guy has it all. He’s a very sharp kid, and if he can pull it together, I’m sure he’s going to be where he wants to be.”

It certainly must help to have played in a style of football at Georgia that is not so dissimilar to what Pittsburgh plays. At Georgia he played in a 3-4 rush linebacker role, occasionally dropping back. At Pittsburgh he is expected to be the same – a linebacker coming off the edge in a blitz-happy defensive system, and when asked to drop into coverage, so be it. It just fits.

Another element that I feel will help Jarvis excel early in his career whether it’s this season or the next – Lamar Woodley. Woodley, who would be the bookend OLB, is coming off what most consider an off year. Many close to the team have been vocal about how he has really focused on conditioning and appears in excellent shape (a nice way to say someone was NOT in as good shape the previous year). Woodley has that massive contract of course, and this is the year he has to deliver. Having that experienced player playing at the position opposite him would certainly only help Jarvis’ development, and if successful, will free up Woodley to get to do what he does (did) best – punishing quarterbacks.

It seems like LeBeau has asked his DEs to be more aggressively getting after the quarterback, which is a bit of a change in philosophy. In year’s past, it was the linebackers who would come screaming around the corners to chase down the QB, but this year the DC has other ideas. Part of the change in philosophy is likely because of the question mark as to who will start opposite Woodley at the OLB spot.

In any case, Jarvis Jones is an interesting case because as heralded as he was in Georgia and in his career in college football, he still comes with question marks. The Steelers were willing to take that gamble, and I for one believe it was an important one to take. This kid has real talent, if he shuts up like he says he will, and learns from the veterans and from one of the greatest defensive coaches to have graced the turf, maybe, just maybe, it will go something like, “Ham, Lambert, Lloyd, Gildon, Greene, Porter, Harrison and Jones”.

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