Jared Bartlett is a name that mountaineer fans have started to become familiar with on the defensive side of the ball.
Bartlett, a redshirt junior, is one of the veterans on the team, being here since Neal Brown’s first year at the helm in 2019.
Appearing just four games his freshman year, allowing him to redshirt, Bartlett transitioned into the bandit role the next season, appearing in 10 games while starting in two of those.
In the 2021 season, Bartlett improved upon his previous season, collecting 31 tackles, 3.5 sacks, six tackles for loss, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. It was against Virginia Tech that season where Bartlett burst onto the scene, earning himself a national defensive player of the week award following a three sack performance.
Coming into this season, Bartlett has been keen on improving his fundamentals and tackling.
“During the spring I really focused on my fundamentals, taking on blocks, getting around blocks, things of that sort, working on my hands,” Bartlett said. “So far in this fall camp period, I’ve really been emphasizing getting better at tackling, although my fundamentals are still improving and things of that sort, but tackling is just an emphasis in general, even with myself.”
Bartlett talked about what is different from the defense this year when compared to last year, using the word ”aggression” to describe it.
“I think we’re much more aggressive, that’s all I have to say.”
Being from Florida, one game that Bartlett is looking forward to is the game at UCF.
“Going to Orlando this year, I think that’s going to be great, especially a guy that’s from Florida, I think it’s exciting to play down there.”
