Peewee Jarrett unleashed a long throw down the field, the ball destined to find the hands of John Jiles, who leaped in the end zone in an effort to make the .
Shamar Graham wears jersey No. 36, but an octagon stop sign in maroon and steel colors might better describe his gridiron duties.
Not much in the way of ball carriers or pass receivers get past Virginia Union University’s aggressive, always ready to rumble linebacker out of nearby (3.2 miles apart) Thomas Jefferson High.
“You don’t get 80 tackles standing around
in a great defense like ours,” Coach Alvin Parker said. “Shamar makes plays . he’s a playmaker.”
In his first season as a starter, Graham had 84 tackles in 2022, including 7.5 for losses. He
added two sacks, and three
passes broke up.
“I like to go full speed to the ball, sideline to sideline . and never give up on a play,” Graham said.
His ability to crush oppo-
nent’s best-laid plans has earned him a nickname – “Showtime.”
Among all returning CIAA players, Graham has the most tackles from the 2022 season.
“He plays at such a high speed,” Coach Parker said. “He sees where the ball is