MGoBlogs: Men's Soccer, Vol. I, No. 2
10/17/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Hailing from Peachtree City, Ga., Jarun enrolled at Vanderbilt University as a freshman and started four games for the Commodores. However, a year later, Vanderbilt was forced to drop its men's varsity soccer program, and Jarun was left without a team. As much as he loved Nashville and the lifestyle below the Mason-Dixon Line, Jarun decided to head north to play for Michigan.
"I wanted to be a part of something more than just a world-class education, great facilities and a beautiful landscape," explained Jarun. "After realizing this I decided that I wanted to be a part of that Michigan pride. Besides this great attribute, the men's soccer organization is one of a kind. We compete against the best, we play in a professional environment, and we have a great coaching staff."
Jarun, who appeared in 12 of Michigan's 21 games in 2006, has earned more field time of late, seeing action in the last three games, including the start at MSU. "Nader reinforces the engine room of our team," said head coach Steve Burns. "He has an energy and toughness that really adds to our central midfield. He's earned more playing time, recently as a starter, because he recognizes the moments to get involved in the attack and has the lungs and attitude to make sure that we do not compromise anything in the midfield defensively. He also brings a contagious level of enthusiasm and passion to our team."
Athletics are in Jarun's genes. His older brother Omar plays professional soccer for the Atlanta Silverbacks of the USL First Division, and his younger brother, 16-year-old Ramsey, also is very active in the sport.
While Jarun hopes to trail his older brother to the professional ranks, for now he has his eyes on guiding the Wolverines to their first Big Ten championship.
