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#21 Jonathan Truman |
Position: Linebacker Previous College: None Projection: Second-String Status: Walk-On |
Jonathan Michael Truman (b. Jan. 6, 1992) was unlikely to see much playing time last season after redshirting in 2010, but there was a decent chance he could contribute on special teams. He certainly had the right attitude for it.
That was my prediction last year, and it largely came true. Although he played some in relief at linebacker, which is impressive for a walk-on freshman, he mainly participated on special teams while appearing in all 13 games.
Truman collected 13 solo and four assisted tackles in 2011. He built upon that in the spring game, leading the White team with 10.5 tackles (10 solo and one assisted), a tackle for loss and a pass breakup.
Although I originally had him penciled in for scout team, Truman easily could ascend to second- or third-team status if young players such as Cody Marley and Tate Snyder continue to struggle with the injury problems plaguing them.
He gave up baseball because, he said, "it wasn't contact enough for me. It got boring for me. I just like being on defense. ...I like hitting people and that's what I'm getting recruited for." And he wants to be a firefighter after college.
Sounds like another Mike "Crash" Ekeler in the making to me. Truman also earned numerous all-city and all-state honors while helping to lead the Kapaun Mt. Carmel Crusaders to three consecutive district championships.
Truman made 312 tackles in his stellar high school career, including 113 in his senior season to go with three picks and three forced fumbles. He won a state wrestling title in 2010 and also appeared in the Shrine Bowl.