A 1991 graduate of Muscle Shoals High School, Jarius was a three sport athlete for the Trojans, playing football, basketball and baseball. After high school he received a football scholarship to the University of North Alabama. As a senior tight end for the Lions he was selected first team All-Gulf South Conference, first team NCAA Division II All-South Region, participated in the Snow Bowl Division II All-Star game and was selected third team All-American. He started 54 consecutive games from 1992-1995 and played on three Gulf South Conference Champions. He also was named to the 50th Anniversary UNA Football Team of the 1949-1998, the Gulf South Conference Team of the 1990's and to the Gulf South Conference  Team of the Quarter Century. Following his graduation from UNA in 1996 he was drafted by Arizona Cardinals of the NFL and played in the European Football League.