Former Hampton University Justin Durant has done it again

Photo: #56-Justin Durant, Rookie, Jacksonville Jaguars, 6-1/235, Florence, SC, 3-time MEAC Defensive Player of Year.

By Robert Bach, Jacksonville Jaguars (Seahawks Huddle)

The Jaguars second round pick in the 2007 NFL Draft has done it again. Justin Durant has once more tied for team lead in tackles for Game No.2 of the pre-season. I am now discovering what James Harris and the Jags scouting department saw in this sensational linebacker from Hampton University.

Durant is only in pre-season where he had 5 tackles against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Not only did he tie for the lead in tackles, but he also caused Maurice Stovall to fumble. He delivered a crushing blow resulting in Jags Jamaal Fudge picking it up and racing to Tampa’s 5-yard line.

“Justin has played extremely well, not only in camp but in the two pre-season games-I expect him to continue to show why he is the best all-around linebacker on the team”, says one of Durant’s representatives’ Rob London.


There is no question that Justin Durant is obviously making his presence felt on the defensive unit. He continues making a push for regular season playing time, possibly even a starting position.

There really should not have been any question about the Jaguars pick in the second round. Given his contribution thus far in the pre-season, Durant is playing on a “1st rounder” level. In comparison with San Francisco 49ers Patrick Willis in terms of tackles (Durant = 9 tackles, with 1 forced fumble in contrast to Willis = 12 tackles).

Durant’s many accolades and awards in college speak for themselves. His excellence on the field should not surprise us. It shows maturity to go to a small school and most likely receive a better education, rather than to just shoot for a Division I school to get to the next level in football.

(side note - Durant was an Honor Student in high school, and achieved a high GPA while attending Hampton University).

Justin was confident enough in his many talents to realize that he would get noticed no matter where he played. He made an intelligent decision to continue with his education fully knowing that he would still be a strong candidate for the NFL Draft. It was important to Durant to choose a college education with Hampton University to excel on and off the field.

Now that he has a college degree under his belt, he can move on to conquer his other dream. The vision of becoming an NFL star is beginning to evolve. It is obvious that Durant will be loved by his new Jaguars’ fans and in just two games he has made his mark. Durant is a player that will be an idol to many regardless of age when he is playing in the NFL as well as a star off the field. This is one Jaguars’ linebacker that is ready to get down to business.