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Jawanza Starling

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Position: DB
Jersey #: 29
Date of Birth: June 21, 1991
Height / Weight: 6'1" / 200 lbs
Drafted: Round , Pick in 2013 by
First Team: HST (2013)
Last Team: HST (2013)

Career Summary

Jawanza Starling is a safety from Tallahassee, Florida, who played at USC and entered the NFL with Houston in 2013.

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Early Life

Starling is from Tallahassee, Florida.

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High School

At Lincoln High School in Tallahassee, Starling was a three-year starter at defensive back. He made 50 tackles as a senior and helped Lincoln reach the 2008 Florida Class 4A championship game.

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College Career

Starling played 42 games at USC, starting 33. He totaled 128 tackles, four interceptions, 11 pass breakups, a forced fumble and three fumble recoveries, including an 80-yard fumble-return touchdown.

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Path to the NFL

Houston signed Starling as an undrafted rookie free agent on May 10, 2013. The Texans later released him, and the Giants signed him to their practice squad before Houston returned him to its active roster.

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NFL Career

Starling made his Texans debut primarily on special teams against Oakland on November 17, 2013. He was listed as a Houston free safety on the club's 2013 roster materials.

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Career Accomplishments

Starling won USC's 2011 Co-Lifter of the Year Award. His 80-yard fumble-return touchdown at Notre Dame in 2011 was USC's longest scoring fumble return since 2000.

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Playing Style

Starling played strong safety at USC and produced both in coverage and around the football, including four career interceptions and three fumble recoveries.

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24074, 00-0030245, 1991-06-21, Jawanza Starling, Jawanza, Starling

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