Oct. 27, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. - Senior defensive tackle Jarvis Geathers (Andrews, S.C.) is the Conference USA leader in both sacks and tackles for loss and stands as one of the many reasons the Knights have had great success this year on the defensive side of the ball.
Geathers, who is a two year junior college transfer from Feather River Community College in Quincy, Calif., played in all 12 games in 2008 for the Knights' defense. The senior tackle registered 35 total tackles, 21 solo and 14 assisted. He also added nine and a half tackles-for-loss and five and a half sacks during the season, which was good enough for fourth and second on the team, respectively.
Geathers has stepped up his play even further in 2009. He has 9.5 tackles for loss, including seven sacks. Filling out his stat line nicely, Geathers has three forced hurries, broken up a pass, forced three fumbles and recovered a fumble.
Tickets for this Sunday's game at 8:15 vs. the Thundering Herd can be purchased by calling 407-823-1000 or by visiting UCFAthletics.com.
Today UCFAthletics.com caught up with Geathers after practice for a Q&A.
What does it mean to you that UCF is ranked in the top 10 nationally in sacks and TFLs?
"That just means that we are getting closer to our goals of being one of the best defenses in the nation. We just have to go out and keep improving every day, and keep working harder than everyone else."
What has been the key to getting sacks, TFLs and pressure on opposing quarterbacks?
"If it was not for the whole defense, we would not be able to get through to the quarterback at all. Everyone has a specific role on defense, and if they do their job that creates more opportunities to get through the line to the quarterback."
What makes you such an effective pass rusher?
"Mostly, the experience of playing the position and how natural it comes to me helps a lot. It is reacting to the speed of the game and being able to use a lot of different techniques. I learned the fundamentals and the basics of playing the position from my senior year in high school until now."
How important is this game on Sunday night for C-USA?
"Very important, especially since it is a huge conference game. Every game is important. We have to be able to go out every game and prepare for the battle. We cannot take anyone lightly, especially being a conference opponent."
What does it mean to have a primetime ESPN game like this at home?
"This will be a great opportunity for our team to get the exposure. It will be a great chance to show everyone that the Knights are here to play."
What is your impression of Marshall?
"We are going to expect Marshall to come off the ball and play hard every play. They always do a good job of playing to the whistle, and it will be a big conference battle for both of us."
What does UCF have to focus on to be successful in the second half of the year?
"Just being able to keep our momentum going that we have going right now. We have to keep up the hard work and tough play every game. We have to be able to maintain our energy at a high level and finish the season strong."
Your father played in the NFL and you have many relatives playing at I-A schools. How has that influence helped you?
"It has helped me somewhat. I am not trying to think of it too much, because I am trying to make my own name as a UCF Knight."