Jenkins should challenge Longhorns

Sure, he looks like an All-American.

He can jump into the air and mock gravity. Sprint through a running car wash and not get wet.

But what separates Ohio State cornerback Malcolm Jenkins from other defensive players is his desire for competition and his addiction to winning it.

"He's constantly competing, no matter what it is," Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis said. "No matter if it's football or this and that, he's competing. He's the best at it. He can play pool at the facility, and he thinks he's the best at it. And he wants to challenge you. But those are the things that teammates feed off of."

Or be furious about.

"I'm more calm now," said the 6-foot-1, 201-pound Jenkins. "But my freshman year, I was out of control."

On the second day of camp that year, Jenkins matched up with-then Ohio State receiver Anthony Gonzalez -- "the calmest guy around."

"But at the end of the day, he wanted to fight me," Jenkins said, laughing. "That's what happens when you mix enthusiasm and competitiveness."

Jenkins, who was presented the Jim Thorpe Award -- given to the best defensive back in the country -- will need that competitive fire Monday when Ohio State's defense clashes with Texas' pass-happy and pass-efficient offense in the Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale.

Texas is averaging 43.9 points per game, primarily riding the right arm of Colt McCoy, who has passed for 3,445 yards, 32 touchdowns with just seven interceptions. McCoy has completed 77.6 percent of his passes and is on the verge of breaking the NCAA record for completion percentage in a season.

Jenkins likely will match up against Quan Cosby, who has caught 78 passes for 952 yards and eight touchdowns. But Jenkins might also see Jordan Shipley (79 catches, 982 yards, and 11 touchdowns).

Jenkins knows it's going to be a busy day.

"As a corner, especially knowing that you're going to get a lot of balls thrown your way, you either look at it and you get nervous, or you look at it and you get excited because there will be more plays for you to make, more opportunities to do some things for your team," he said. "I'm getting anxious. It's a great challenge."

McCoy and Texas offensive coordinator Greg Davis know it's going to be a challenge for them, too.

"He's the best corner we'll face all year," McCoy said. "There are real good corners in the Big 12, but there is no one who is real big and physical like Malcolm."

Said Davis: "You have to be aware of him. When Quan comes out of his routes, (Jenkins) will be close. I don't think we've seen anyone quite like him. He is a kind of player you have to know where he's at and what they're doing (defensively) because of his abilities. He can do things that other people can't do."

No matter what the Texas offense will bring, Laurinaitis knows Jenkins will be ready.

"You know (Texas) will be challenging him," Laurinaitis said. "I'll put my money on that one. You know he's going to make a play. Even if he does get beat, there's no way that's going to happen again."