Introduction to Jared Verse’s Breakout Season
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Before Jared Verse was terrorizing NFL quarterbacks, or racking up All-American selections at Florida State, he was a staple of the UAlbany defense.
Early Career at UAlbany
Verse donned a Great Danes jersey from 2019-2021. He was named the CAA Defensive Rookie of the Year following the spring 2021 season (COVID), and was a first-team all-conference selection in the fall of 2021.
Gratitude and Appreciation
A lot of players preach about not forgetting where they came from. Verse embodies that motto. "Without UAlbany, I wouldn’t have played college football," said Verse. "I wouldn’t have been able to showcase what I could do at Florida St. I wouldn’t even have been able to take that next step after high school ball. So, if it wasn’t for UAlbany, I wouldn’t be here."
Breakout Rookie Season in the NFL
Verse is on the fast track to becoming one of the top defensive players in the National Football League. In his first season as an outside linebacker with Los Angeles Rams, he earned the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year award after finishing top-five on the Rams in both tackles (66 combined) and sacks (4.5), and he was second in tackles for loss (11).
Reflections on the Award
"Winning the award’s a big thing," said Verse. "You know, being able to kinda showcase for Florida St., for Albany, that I did it. I did this for that school. But it meant a lot just for the hard work that Albany helped establish, Florida St. helped build, and being able to showcase that hard work gets you anywhere you want."
Giving Back to UAlbany
Verse, despite finishing his college career at Florida State, has shown a lot of love to the program that gave him his start. He flew cross-country Thursday night to be at UAlbany’s spring game Friday. "This is the most important thing; you gotta give back,” said Verse. “Being here, being able to see the young guys; they’re seniors now. [Them] being able to go out here and ball, being able to do their thing on the field is one of the most important things. I love it.”
Love and Appreciation from UAlbany
And Verse has felt a lot of love in return. "To have your dreams come true, and then be able to come back here, see a smile on everybody’s face when they see you walk back in the building; it means a lot."
UAlbany Interim Head Coach Jared Ambrose
UAlbany interim head coach Jared Ambrose was responsible for scheming against Verse in the fall of 2021 when the former was an offensive coordinator at the University of Delaware. Safe to say Ambrose prefers having Verse on his side, helping him promote the program he’s trying to build back up from a 4-8 season.
Paving the Path for Other Great Danes
Verse has paved a path that other Great Danes can now follow to reach their dreams of playing at the highest level. "He heard the same things we heard; he was taught the same things we were taught," said graduate defensive back Thomas Joe-Kamara. "At the end of the day, what you put in is what you get out. It’s definitely special to have his support and to be able to see his progress from start to finish. And just hearing his stories in the meetings, and stuff like that, it was…definitely a special thing for sure."
Looking Forward to the Next Season
If you thought Verse’s rookie year with the Rams was impressive, just wait until you see what he has loading in 2025. "I’m a whole other player now. I’m more dangerous than I’ve ever been, so I can’t wait for this next season."
Conclusion
Jared Verse’s breakout rookie season in the NFL is a testament to his hard work and dedication. His love and appreciation for UAlbany, the program that gave him his start, is evident in his actions and words. As he continues to excel in the NFL, he will undoubtedly be an inspiration to many young players, including those at UAlbany.
FAQs
Q: What award did Jared Verse win in his first season with the Los Angeles Rams?
A: Jared Verse won the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
Q: Where did Jared Verse play college football before transferring to Florida State?
A: Jared Verse played college football at UAlbany before transferring to Florida State.
Q: What is Jared Verse’s message to young players at UAlbany?
A: Jared Verse’s message to young players at UAlbany is that hard work and dedication can take you anywhere you want to go.
Q: Who is the interim head coach of UAlbany’s football team?
A: Jared Ambrose is the interim head coach of UAlbany’s football team.
