Jenkins: I’m better at being cornerback

February 24, 2009 at 12:08a.m.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Malcolm Jenkins hears the questions constantly.

Maybe, the doubters suggest, he’s not quick enough to play cornerback in the NFL. Maybe, at his listed size of 6-foot-1 and 201 pounds, he’d be a better safety. Maybe he should have skipped that senior season and put those debates to rest.

Jenkins believes he can answer any question scouts have for him at the NFL’s annual scouting combine. If they want more proof, Jenkins suggests they review his game tapes — or pay attention to what he says.

“If you put on a film of a guy who’s about 5-10, 185, I’m doing the same things they’re doing at my size,” he said. “In the league now, you’ve got receivers that are getting bigger and more physical and that’s what you need — a guy that can do it all. With my size and speed, it’s something rare you really don’t find around the nation.”

Clearly, though, this week is crucial to Jenkins’ future hopes.

Those who wonder whether he’s fast enough to cover the NFL’s speedy receivers will get a rare firsthand chance to clock one of the draft’s top prospects. Jenkins plans to buck the trend of skipping drills altogether in Indy and run for scouts on what one team president describes as a fast track.

Why? Jenkins has nothing to hide.

Jenkins believes a good time would alleviate some of the growing concerns, while the rounds of interviews with team officials could resolve any lingering doubts.

If all goes well, Jenkins could go in the first five to 10 picks in April.

But Jenkins, who decided to stay at Ohio State for his senior season, seems to be caught in that annual tradition of getting every minute detail picked apart.

And he knows it.

“If you watch my film, I might not look as fast as some other guys,” he said. “But wherever this [talk of moving to safety] came from, it’s definitely snowballed. I have no control over where it comes from.”

What he would like to do is re-establish his presence atop the draft boards.

Jenkins’ r sum is full of accomplishments.

He was a four-year starter with the Buckeyes, played in two national championship games, beat Michigan four times and won last season’s Jim Thorpe Award, which goes to the nation’s top defensive back.

Not enough?

He led Piscataway High School to three straight state football titles and won the New Jersey state crown in the 400-meter dash as a junior, when he also finished third in the 200.

Jenkins believes all of that should be enough to convince scouts of his value playing on the outside.

“I’ve been comfortable playing corner my last four years — that’s where I’m more comfortable at,” he said. “I think I can make some plays there.”