Look, I know Malcolm Jenkins is one of the top corners in College Football. But I think that in no way does he deserve to be 1st team All-American. The only All-American team I've seen so far that got it right is the Sporting News' list of top players.
Jenkins, a 6'1" senior at Ohio State, had 3 interceptions for 7 yards and no touchdowns, 54 tackles (32 solo),3 forced fumbles,9 passes defended/broken up, and two blocked kicks. That's a good season. But is it All-American worthy? I don't think so.
Like I said, 3 Interceptions...7 yards? Only one of those interceptions came against a team that made it to a bowl game, let alone was above .500 (Wisconsin). The Big Ten, like the ACC, didn't really have any outstanding quarterbacks this year so it's hard to argue that he didn't get the interceptions because he faced superior quarterbacks.
So who does deserve that spot instead of Jenkins? Alphonso Smith of Wake Forest already has the other CB spot--well deserving of it, too--but there are numerous other CBs that are more suitable for the spot than Jenkins. In fact, at least 10 CBs have more INTs than Jenkins. One example? Virginia Tech's Macho Harris. I know, I know. I go to VT, but from an unbiased standpoint, hear me out. Here's Macho's stats for the season: 6 INTs for 142 yards and 2 TDs, 44 tackles (31 solo), 2 forced fumbles, and 13 passes defended/broken up. 3 of his interceptions came against teams that are in bowls. I already stated that the ACC is not very pass heavy so maybe its more impressive that he has 6 INTs and so many passes defended.
Don't want the Macho Harris argument because it's biased? Alright. How about Vanderbilt's DJ Moore? 6 Interceptions, 54 tackles (28 solo), 12 passes defended/broken up, 1 sack, and a fumble forced. This too in a conference that is pass happy in comparison to the ACC and Big Ten. Still no? How about UAB's Kevin Sanders? Cincinnati's Mike Mickens (who missed the last three games of the season)?
I don't mean to pick on Jenkins necessarily but rather those who pick the teams. Sometimes it seems like the players are picked solely on their stats. Other times it seems like they are picked solely on popularity. Players that truly exemplify a great contribution to their team should be awarded the All-American honorary title, not those that have average stats and a big following.
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1 comment:
I definetly agree here. Malcolm Jenkins only got "the nod" over anyone else because he's from Ohio State. Macho Harris had that spot locked!
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