Landrom brings hitting mentality

By John Bassetti

Jamar Landrom was an All-American at Tennessee State where he gained a reputation as tough guy in the secondary.

NILES — He looks too fit to be out of football.

While sitting at their home in Nashville, Tenn., Jamar Landrom and his wife were discussing his next move.

Left hanging because the Arena Football League suspended its 2009 season, the former Tennessee State standout thought it was time to pursue another passion.

Landrom, who spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Jacksonville Jaguars, got a call from the Mahoning Valley Thunder’s defensive back coach Nick Ward, then from coach Mike Hold.

“I discussed it with my wife, prayed about it, and said it was a good opportunity, so I came up here,” said Landrom.

Based on the fitness of the 6-foot-2, 205-pound specimen, it would be a loss if Landrom hadn’t made the move.

Originally from Pontiac, Mich., Landrom graduated from Tennessee State in 2006 after earning All-America and All-Ohio Valley Conference honors as defensive back and linebacker.

He signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent and spent the summer in training camp until being released. Later that season, Jamar went to Jacksonville and was on the Jaguars’ practice squad for the remainder of 2006.

He was allocated to NFL Europe and played for the Frankfurt Galaxy, which reached the World Bowl. When he came back in 2007, he was released by the Jaguars, but signed with the Edmonton Eskimos. At the end of preseason, Landrom was released by the Canadian Football League team.

Every year since college, he managed to be assigned to some team, whether NFL or CFL. Landrom thought he was going to sign with the AFL’s Columbus Destroyers until the league suspended play in 2009 to improve its economic model.

With the Cleveland Gladiators and Destroyers in abeyance, af2 is the big cheese on a little plate within a 300-mile radius at this time of year.

“I’m here to win, get better and try to get to the next level,” said Landrom.

Adjusting to indoors is no problem, Landrom said, but he wants to make sure he works on the nuances of technique.

“As far as ability, I definitely know I can play, but I want to make sure I stay focused and concentrate on staying low because I’m a taller defensive back,” he said. “Going against shorter guys, leverage is key. So, staying low and making sure I come out of my breaks and cut smooth — those are the little, but important, things for me.”

A description of Landrom’s football skills comes from the player himself: “I’m big, fast, can run and I also like to deliver a blow. My natural position is outdoor safety, but I can cover, too. Being a big guy, usually you find that, in the NFL, safeties can’t cover man-to-man. I have that safety mentality — hitting-wise — and also the ability of a corner to read and cover.”

Does that mean he’ll be dangerous indoors?

“I had seven forced fumbles in college, so I’m a hitter,” he said. “When I hit, I don’t just hit to tackle, I hit — as long as it’s within the confines of the game — to try to hurt you. If I have a shot on you, I’m definitely going to take it. Everyone I play against knows that.”

As the Thunder’s two-week camp wound down, Landrom wasn’t worried about making the team.

“I’ve been in situations where I know I can play or not. That’s not the question. For me, it’s to make sure I stay focused on the little things for me to be the player I need to be. In the end, I’m confident my play will speak for itself.”

bassetti@vindy.com