The Virginia Tech Hokies’ Football 2014 Top 10 Player Countdown: #4 Kyshoen Jarrett

Nov 30, 2013; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback David Watford (5) runs with the ball as Virginia Tech Hokies safety Kyshoen Jarrett (34) tackles in the second quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The 2014 Virginia Tech football player countdown continues today with our number 4 player, Kyshoen Jarrett.

Kyshoen Jarrett is arguably the toughest player on the Hokies’ roster and Virginia Tech’s rover has proven in his time in Blacksburg so far that he has a future in the National Football League at strong safety.

Jarrett’s rover position is Virginia Tech’s equivalent of a strong safety that plays a little closer to the line of scrimmage. Jarrett is a heavy hitter that can dish out the pain when stopping opposing running backs or making plays on receivers to break up passes and make tackles. Jarrett can be a guy that brings a lot of energy to a game with a big hit or a big punt return and that type of momentum changer can be valuable.

Oct 12, 2013; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies safety Kyshoen Jarrett (34) returns a punt during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, Jarrett had 71 tackles and 1 tackle for loss after having 83 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss in 2012. Jarrett’s numbers in those categories might have been slightly down but I would expect Jarrett to end up around the 80 to 85 tackle mark this year with 3 to 5 tackles for loss. Jarrett is a very good tackler and quality run defender which is big for someone playing his role in the Virginia Tech defense.

Kyshoen Jarrett also improved a lot last season as a pass defender as he went from having 4 pass deflections in 2012 to having 2 interceptions and 2 pass deflections in 2013. Jarrett’s strong performance last season earned him a spot on the Coaches All-ACC Third Team. This preseason, Jarrett was also named to Phil Steele’s Preseason All-ACC Second Team.

Jarrett has proven to be more than just a great safety as Jarrett has also been a solid punt returner with 46 punt returns for 401 yards and 1 touchdown in his three seasons in Blacksburg. Jarrett has averaged 8.7 yards per punt return and if he does end up being the Hokies’ punt returner, he will likely average around 8 to 10 yards a return.

Kyshoen Jarrett is an extremely talented player that absolutely deserves to come in at #4 on our list.