Michigan State defensive tackle Jerel Worthy came into the season with sky-high expectations. Michigan center David Molk had a little less fan fare (which goes with the territory of being an offensive lineman, particularly a center). However, both ended up on the Associated Press first-team All-American team today.
Worthy has been projected some NFL Draft experts to be as high as a first-round pick, but hasn't made a decision or announcement on whether or not he'll return to East Lansing for his senior year. Worthy said he'll make that decision after the Spartans face Georgia in the Outback Bowl Jan. 2. Worthy totaled 25 tackles and 3.5 sacks this season.
Molk became the first AP first-team All-American from Michigan since Jake Long in 2007. Molk as won the Rimington Trophy, given to the nation's best center. Molk and Worthy were on the only selections from Michigan or Michigan State to be named to the AP's first or second team. Western Michigan wide reciever Jordan White was named to the third team. White was placed on the third team despite leading the nation in receiving yards with 1,646 on 127 catches with 16 touchdowns.
Other first-team selections from the Big Ten include Wisconsin's Monte Ball (RB) and Kevin Zeitler (OG) along with Illinois' Whitney Mercilus (DE) and Penn State's Devon Still (DT).