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New York Jets 2015 Training Camp Profile: Jamari Lattimore

ByPaul Newbold|

Jamari Lattimore was signed to the New York Jets on April 1, 2015. His signing wasn’t an April Fools joke by any means. Lattimore is going into his 5th season in the NFL and the Jets were looking to bolster their linebacker corps and special teams as well. Where he ultimately winds up playing will be up to Todd Bowles and his staff.

Lattimore took a bit of different road to the NFL than most, but he got it done. Lattimore attended Dodge City Community college for his freshman year, before accepting a scholarship from Middle Tennessee University to play football. In his single season of community college football, Lattimore posted 60 tackles, nine sacks, and an interception from the DE position.

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Middle Tennessee kept him at the DE position after initially trying him at LB. In three years at Middle Tennessee, Lattimore posted some very respectable numbers. Those three years produced 137 totals tackles, 93 of which came as solo tackles. He was also able to post 30.5 tackles for loss, to go along with one interception and 21 sacks. The one interception came in 2009, Lattimore returned it for 20 yards and a TD.

Lattimore was signed as an undrafted free agent after the 2011 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. He stands 6’2″ tall and weighs 229 pounds. In his four years as member of the Packers, Lattimore appeared in 49 games as a part-time starter at inside linebacker. His key contribution while in Green Bay came as a special teams player however. He was a leader on the Packers’ special teams the past four seasons.

Lattimore’s signing by the Jets this past off season had a dual purpose. Lattimore has experience at ILB and could provide veteran depth at the position for the Jets. He also has great special teams value for the Jets. Whether he was blocking punts or recovering onside kicks for the Packers, Lattimore is one of those special players who seem to love to put their body on the line as they fly down the field to make open field tackles.

Jun 9, 2015; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets linebacker Jamari Lattimore (54) during New York Jets minicamp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Of course Lattimore will need to compete for his spot on the final 53-man roster to open the season. He missed 5 games last season with a rib injury, so he’ll need to prove he can remain healthy as well.

The Jets have an interesting competition going on this summer, the young guys would like to push the veterans out of their spots, but it’s unclear if there is enough talent on the roster to do so just yet. Lattimore will be competing with the rest of the linebackers this summer, as well as competing for a spot on special teams.

Lattimore is still just 26 years old, and besides being a top special teams player around the NFL, has experience at LB in the NFL as well. Bowles is known around the league as an innovator and a motivator, rest assured he’ll get the most out of Lattimore this summer. Keep an eye on this guy, he has a real shot at special teams and may develop into a contributor on defense under Bowles.

Please leave a comment if you have any thoughts on Lattimore. As always, Let’s Talk Jet Football!!

Next: New York Jets 2015 Training Camp Profile: Ronald Talley

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