Natrell Jamerson a Key Player in Wisconsin Secondary
Senior S Natrell Jamerson is an important piece to the Wisconsin secondary this season
Badger Football lost two crucial starters form the 2016 season in the form of S Leo Musso and CB Sojourn Shelton. Both are pursuing NFL dreams at present leaving lots of snaps and production to replace in the secondary.
Jamerson, an Osceola, Florida native should be filling in for at least Musso. He came to Wisconsin as a 3-star recruit by ESPN, Scout, and 247 and started his Badger career on the other side of the ball.
His freshman season Jamerson played in 12 games as a WR and contributed on special teams. He logged a single 23-yard carry and single 21-yard kick return as his total yards from scrimmage.
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In 2015 he switched to the defensive side of the ball playing in 13 games recording 14 tackles and contributing on kick returns. He also chipped in 448 yards on 20 kick returns including one TD. Last year, Jamerson played in eight games including a pair of starts at nickel back with 14 tackles and 191 yards on nine kick returns.
So Jamerson has played in 33 total games in three seasons making him one of the more experienced members of the Wisconsin defense. Replacing Musso is no small task for the Badger secondary. The diminutive Musso finished 2nd on Wisconsin with 74 total tackles including three for loss. He also led the team with five interceptions.
So that means the Wisconsin defense needs a safety who can thrive in the box near the line of scrimmage and with the right instincts. Effective S play takes a solid physical profile but also mental acuity to make the right read and avoid false steps. Jamerson’s background on both sides of the ball is useful. As is the fact he made news this off-season as the 6’0″ 198 pound S benched 405 pounds.
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As a UW Athletic Department news article indicates, new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard notes the transition awaiting Jamerson on the move to S.
"“It’s playing off the ball inside — 10 to 12 yards off — standing there looking at the quarterback,” Leonhard said. “Your perspective changes when you get that far off the ball“And you’ve got to figure out where your eyes need to be. That’s the adjustment. It’s nothing physical for him. He’s very athletic, strong, and a good tackler.”"
In addition, his experience playing a nickel CB suggests that Jamerson is far more than just a box S. If necessary, Wisconsin can move Jamerson around the secondary to find the best match up. The Badger secondary will be counting on Jamerson to use his experience and strength to lead the defensive backfield.