Jahdae Barron plays tenacious defense in honor of a fallen friend
A lot of players wear No. 23 because of the greats who wore it before them. In year’s past it was Michael Jordan. In recent times, it’s been because of LeBron James. For Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron, it’s in honor of a friend gone too soon.
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One of Barron’s childhood friends, Tardrick “Trollie” Fowler Jr. passed away in June of 2020. On Monday, Barron said Fowler’s death was reportedly the result of playing a game of Russian roulette. In Folwer Jr.’s playing days, he wore No. 23 while at Smithville. Now, Barron wears No. 23 for Fowler Jr., plus a pendant with his late friend’s portrait on it made by Austin’s own Sammy the Jeweler.
“I wear it every game,” Barron said Monday. “He also wore 23 at Smithville. I wear 23 to represent him. I actually have him tatted on my stomach as well.”
Fowler Jr. is with Barron whenever he takes the field, whether it’s on the road or at home in Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium. Barron mentioned on Monday he went to many Longhorn games growing up before his playing days at Connally High School in nearby Pflugerville.
“I used to watch Quandre Diggs,” Barron said. “I used to sit with the band, so I remember coming to like a TCU game. I came to the game when Texas played Geno Smith here.”
What stood out about the 5-foot-9 Diggs?
“I loved him,” Barron said. “He’s very small, but he played with a lot of heart and grit.”
The same can be said of Barron through the Longhorns’ first two games, though Barron has two inches of height on the two-time Pro Bowler. Although he hasn’t been the starting STAR — that distinction has gone to Jaylon Guilbeau — Barron has seen the majority of the snaps at the position.
He’s graded well, drawing a 70 overall grade according to PFF College. He’s also produced, especially in the Longhorns’ recent matchup against the Crimson Tide. Barron accumulated four total tackles and split a TFL with Austin Jordan.
It’s part of a defensive effort he wants his teammates to continue this week against UTSA, and going forward in Big 12 Conference play.
“We showed what our standard is, so really just going out and playing at a higher level every week,” Barron said. “Whoever we play, we’re going to get their best shot, so we’ve just got to give them our best shot.”
Barron hopes to continue to play to the Texas standard this week when Roadrunner quarterback Frank Harris and a bevy of talented wide receivers head to the stadium he spent attending games for much of his childhood.
When he takes the field, he’ll have his childhood friend with him. Not just in jewelry and in ink, but so too with the No. 23.
