The New Orleans Saints have selected Ohio State DB Malcolm Jenkins with the 14th pick in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft.
MALCOLM JENKINS
Cornerback/Free Safety
The Ohio State University Buckeyes
2
6:00.1-204
Piscataway, New Jersey
Piscataway High School
OVERVIEW
Jenkins is one of the best defensive back prospects to come out of the Big Ten Conference, drawing comparisons to Michigan's Charles Woodson. The similarities in their game is what most impresses pro scouts, as both are known for their physicality in playing the bump-and-run, along with the ability to make game-changing plays.
The comparisons between the two continue, as most experts also envision Jenkins moving to free safety in the professional ranks, a position Woodson has had great success playing, for the Green Bay Packers. The three-time All-Big Ten choice usually plays on the wide side of the field, but often shadows the opponent's best receiver.
Called a natural pass defender with great instincts and outstanding speed and quickness, Jenkins excels at man-to-man coverage. He tied the school career-record by returning two of his 11 career interceptions for touchdowns and has also used his excellent leaping ability as a standout special team performer, having blocked three kicks during his career. In 49 games for the Buckeyes, he has never allowed a touchdown reception.
At Piscataway High School, Jenkins led his team to three consecutive state titles. The All-State and All-American choice played both receiver and defensive back. He also excelled at track, winning the state title in the 400-meter dash as a .junior. He took third place in the 200 meters as a junior and finished third in the hurdles as a senior at the state meet.
Jenkins appeared in 10 games at nickel back as a freshman, starting three games there and three more at corner late in the season. He produced 37 tackles (23 solos), broke up two passes and returned an onside kick 34 yards. Having bulked up during the offseason, Jenkins took over field cornerback duties in 2006, starting all 13 games. The AII-Big Ten first-team pick led the OSU secondary with 55 tackles (40 solos) that included 4.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage. He broke up four passes and intercepted four others, returning one 61 yards for a score in the Penn State clash. He also blocked one punt.
Jenkins was a Thorpe Award semifinalist as a junior. He added All-American and All-Big Ten Conference honors, as he shifted to boundary cornerback, starting all13 contests. He produced 44 tackles (27 solo) and five stops behind the line of scrimmage. Teams refused to throw to his side of the field, as the opposition completed just 32.3 percent of passes thrown into his area. He intercepted four passes, as he returned one for a score and knocked down three other throws.
The team captain was a unanimous All-Big Ten choice and consensus All-American in 2008. He captured the Jim Thorpe Award and was a semifinalist for Bednarik Award (top defensive player in the nation). He shifted back to field cornerback, taking on the top receiver each game, as he totaled 57 tackles (34 solos) and caused three fumbles. He added three pass thefts, nine pass deflections and had four stops for loss. He also continued to excel on special teams, blocking two more punts. The opposition averaged just 3.83 yards on 60 pass attempts into his territory.
CAREER NOTES
Jenkins started 45 of 49 games for Ohio State; 26 at field cornerback, 16 at boundary cornerback and three at nickel back... Recorded 196 tackles (124 solos) with an 8-yard sack, 13.5 stops for losses totaling 47 yards and one quarterback pressure... Caused four fumbles and deflected eighteen passes... Had 11 interceptions for 159 yards (14.45 avg), as his two returns for touchdowns tied the school career-record... Blocked three punts, gained 51 yards on six punt returns (8.5 avg) and also had a 34-yard kickoff return.
2008 SEASON
Consensus All-American first-team and unanimous All-Big Ten Conference first-team choice... Winner of the Jim Thorpe Award... Quarterfinalist for the Lott Trophy and semifinalist for the Bednarik Award... Team captain... Shifted back to field cornerback, starting all 13 games to lead a secondary that ranked 13th in the nation in pass efficiency defense (105.23 rating), as he collected a career-high 57 tackles (34 solos) with an 8-yard sack and four stops for losses of 23 yards... Caused three fumbles, deflected nine passes and intercepted three others for 7 yards in returns... Also blocked a pair of punts that he advanced for a total of 28 yards... Held the opposition to 230 yards and no touchdowns on 30 catches of 60 passes targeted into his area (7.67 yards per completion/3.83 yards per pass attempt)... Registered 22 third-down stops, including 18 vs. the pass... Did not allow his main pass coverage assignment to catch any passes in seven contests, as those receivers managed just seven receptions for 66 yards (9.43 yards per completion).
2007 SEASON
All-American first-team selection by The NFL Draft Report and Pro Football Weekly, adding second-team honors from Rivals.com, the Associated Press and Walter Camp... Thorpe Award semifinalist... Unanimous All-Big Ten Conference first-team pick... Started all 13 games at boundary cornerback, helping the team lead the nation in total defense (233.0 ypg), scoring defense (12.77 ppg) and pass defense (150.15 ypg)...Paced the secondary with 44 tackles (27 solos) that included five stops for losses of 13 yards... Had four interceptions for 53 yards (13.2 avg) and a touchdown while also deflecting three other tosses... Gained 16 yards on three punt returns.
2006 SEASON
Consensus first-team All-Big Ten selection... Started all 13 games at field corner, finishing fifth on the team with 55 tackles (40 solos), including a QB pressure and 4.5 stops for minus 11 yards... Caused a fumble and blocked a punt... Deflected four passes and intercepted four others for 99 yards in returns, including a TD... Part of a unit that ranked fifth in the nation in scoring defense (12.77 ppg), 12th in total defense (280.46 ypg) and 10th in pass efficiency defense (104.06 rating).
2005 SEASON
Played in 10 games, starting three contests at nickel back vs. Miami (Oh.), Indiana and Notre Dame and thee more at boundary cornerback vs. Indiana, Minnesota and Illinois... Finished eighth on the team with 37 tackles (23 solos), as he deflected two passes and returned a kickoff 34 yards... .Had a season-high nine tackles vs. Notre Dame and was credited with seven stops at Minnesota, including four solo tackles.
COMBINE AGILITY TESTS
4.51 in the 40-yard dash... 1.47 10-yard dash...2.62 20-yard dash...4.08 20-yard shuttle...6.59 three-cone drill... 33-inch vertical jump... 10'4" broad jump... Bench pressed 225 pounds 15 times... 32 3/8-inch arm length... 9 1/8-inch hands.
CAMPUS AGILITY TESTS
4.55 in the 40-yard dash...1.53 10-yard dash...2.62 20-yard dash.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Piscataway (N.J.) High School...Led his team to three consecutive state titles...The All-State and All-American choice played both receiver and defensive back... Also excelled at track, winning the state title in the 400-meter dash as a junior... Took third place in the 200 meters as a junior and finished third in the hurdles as a senior at the state meet.
PERSONAL
Communications major... Enjoys writing poetry...A leader in the Omega Psi Phi fraternity... Son of Gwendolyn and W. Lee Jenkins... Born 12/20/87... Resides in Piscataway, New Jersey.
