Stats don't tell whole story for true picture

Pro scouts have told Michigan coaches that the former Sharon High player is the best corner in the country.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) -- Michigan's Marlin Jackson has provided more proof that statistics can be misleading.
The cornerback from Sharon High has only one interception and has broken up just two passes, but he's having at the very least a solid senior season.
In particular, if scouts watch Michigan's win over Purdue they'll see Jackson shut down receiver Taylor Stubblefield while blanketing him in one-on-one coverage.
"Football people don't go off stats. They go off performance," defensive backs coach Ron English said. "Pro scouts have already told me they think he's the best corner in the country."
Award uses stats
Even so, the lack of interceptions and broken-up passes have taken Jackson out of the running for the Thorpe Award, which recognizes the nation's top defensive back.
He started the season as a contender for the award, but safety Ernest Shazor is the only Wolverine among the 12 semifinalists.
"There's not a lot I can do about it because teams aren't throwing my way," Jackson said. "But I'm changing the game in a way because I'm forcing teams to go somewhere else. Most importantly, we're winning and my teammates and coaches know the kind of year I'm having."
Jackson will play his final home game Saturday at Michigan Stadium when the ninth-ranked Wolverines (8-1, 6-0 Big Ten) face Northwestern (5-4, 4-2).
He and his teammates on defense will be challenged by the Wildcats.
Quarterback Brett Basanez ranks second in the Big Ten with 236 yards passing a game. Detroit native Ashton Aikens, a senior receiver, is one of five Wildcats with at least 22 catches.
With a spread offense and three seniors on the offensive line, Mattawan native Noah Herron is No. 2 in the Big Ten with 115.3 yards rushing a game for Northwestern.
"They have some great athletes," Jackson said. "They do a great job running the ball. Noah Herron runs the ball extremely hard. The line is great. They have a talented bunch of wide receivers, and the quarterback is a fourth-year guy that knows the system so well."
Jackson athletic
Whether Northwestern runs or passes, Michigan coach Lloyd Carr knows he can count on Jackson.
"I think the reason that he is an All-American is that he can cover extremely well because he's very quick, very competitive and he uses his hands and athletic ability," Carr said. "But where I think he's different is that he is very, very physical.
"He's an aggressive, hard-hitting cornerback, and I think that's something that's not easy to find."
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