Unless you’re a quarterback in a collapsing pocket, you’ll probably hear Jared Verse before you see him.
The Los Angeles Rams’ rookie linebacker already looks like the NFL’s next great pass rusher just eight games into his career, but his verbal abilities are also world class.
Whether he’s talking trash on the field or chopping it up with his teammates in the locker room, Verse always has plenty to say – and a deep, distinct voice that gets everybody’s attention.
When Jared is in the room, you know he’s in the room,” Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula said with a grin.
As the surging Rams (4-4) prepare to host the Miami Dolphins (2-6) on Monday night, Verse is already a cornerstone of a defense that’s still rebuilding after Aaron Donald´s retirement. He has racked up 3 1/2 sacks and nine tackles for loss, but that´s only a snapshot of the disruption Verse wreaks on opposing offenses.
Verse was the NFL´s defensive rookie of the month for September. He was even more impressive in October with 2 1/2 sacks, four tackles for loss and nine quarterback hits in four games. He’s widely considered the midseason favorite to be the NFL’s defensive rookie of the year, an honor won by Donald himself exactly a decade ago.
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jared Verse (8) celebrates after sacking Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
