By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Dedication, perseverance and commitment. Those are three characteristics that describe Tennessee Tech long snapper Jarrett Key to a tee.

Throughout his Golden Eagle career, Key, a Livingston product, has answered the call and excelled in his position – one that doesn't really get a lot of attention, but is just as vital when it comes to the special teams group.

Those traits made him an easy choice for the monthly Unsung Leader Award.

"Jarrett Key is an outstanding Golden Eagle," said Tech head coach Dewayne Alexander. "He plays the most under-appreciated position in football and has started 40 consecutive games for us."

An excellent student as well off the field, Key has posted a 4.0 grade point average.

Key has been a major component to the team's kicking success in recent years. This past season, Hayden Olsen was a perfect 25-for-25 on PATs and 7-for-9 on field goals, while the Golden Eagles were able to get all of their punts off successfully.

"He has never had a bad snap," Alexander noted.

It is a position that doesn't tend to get a lot of award recognition as special teams awards tend to go to kickers, punters and return specialists. With no statistics inherent to gauge performance, long snappers – who still have to get the ball to the holders, kickers and punters – get overlooked.

"Jarrett deserves recognition for his efforts over the years," Alexander said. "He exemplifies the true meaning of being a Tennessee Tech student-athlete. He stands for excellence on the field, in the classroom and in the community."

The Unsung Leader Award is awarded monthly to a deserving student-athlete nominated by the Tennessee Tech head coaches.