Worthy Named Sporting News Freshman All-American
12/16/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 16, 2009
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State defensive tackle Jerel Worthy, who ranks second on the team in tackles for loss (8.5 for 34 yards) and sacks (4.5 for 23 yards), has been named Sporting News Freshman All-American. Worthy is one of four Big Ten players selected to Sporting News Freshman All-America Team, joining Wisconsin offensive lineman Peter Konz, Indiana defensive tackle Larry Black Jr. and Wisconsin linebacker Chris Borland.
The 6-foot-3, 292-pound Worthy started 11 of 12 regular-season games for the Spartans and finished second among defensive linemen in tackles with 34 (19 solos, 15 assists). Worthy ranks sixth on the team in production points (75) and 10th in tackles. He produced one tackle for loss in seven straight games during one stretch.
The Huber Heights, Ohio, native matched his season high with four stops against No. 13 Penn State. He recorded four solo hits at Purdue. Worthy made four tackles and recovered a fumble at Minnesota. Against No. 7 Iowa, he registered four stops, including a season-best two tackles for loss (5 yards). Worthy tallied a season-high 1.5 sacks (8 yards) against Central Michigan. He posted four tackles in his collegiate debut against Montana State.
"We recognized Jerel Worthy's athleticism coming out of high school, and we knew that we had to figure out ways to take advantage of his athletic ability," Spartan defensive line coach Ted Gill said. "He's a big guy who changes direction very well, and he knows how to use his hands as a pass rusher. Jerel has good feet and a good burst out of his stance. He has the ability to defeat bigger offensive linemen because he plays with good leverage. As Jerel continues to work and improve, he'll become a more dominant player as he gains experience."
In addition, Worthy joins two other Spartans on the Sporting News Big Ten All-Freshman Team: running back Larry Caper and tight end Dion Sims. Worthy and Caper previously earned Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors from ESPN.com.
 Larry Caper has rushed 109 times for 443 yards and six TDs in 2009. (Photo by Michael Hickey)  | |
As a true freshman, the 5-11, 200-pound Caper leads the team in carries (109), rushing yards (443) and rushing touchdowns (6). He rushed 16 times for a season-high 95 yards in MSU's 24-14 victory at Illinois, including a 17-yard TD run. Caper scored two rushing TDs each against Michigan and Notre Dame. His 23-yard TD run around right end on a third-and-8 play gave the Spartans a 26-20 overtime win over the Wolverines. The Battle Creek, Mich., native also has three receptions for 47 yards (15.7 avg.).
"Larry Caper has had an outstanding freshman year," running backs coach Dan Enos said. "He has a great work ethic to go along with excellent ability. We look forward to his continued improvement over the next three years."
 Dion Sims has 11 receptions for 133 yards (12.1 avg.) and three TDs in 2009. (Photo by Michael Hickey) | |
The 6-5, 268-pound Sims has 11 receptions for 133 yards (12.1 avg.) and three TDs. He caught at least one pass in eight games during the regular season. A true freshman from Detroit, Mich., Sims set season highs for receptions (3) and receiving yards (59) at Wisconsin. He had two catches for 32 yards in the season opener against Montana State, including a 26-yard TD grab from Keith Nichol.
"With his combination of size and speed, Dion Sims creates mismatches as a pass receiver," tight ends/tackles coach Mark Staten said. "He also has soft hands, so if the quarterback throws the ball within his reach, he's going to haul it in. Dion is a pleasure to coach because of his attitude and work ethic."
Michigan State (6-6, 4-4 Big Ten) will face Texas Tech (8-4, 5-3 Big 12) in the 17th annual Valero Alamo Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010, in San Antonio, Texas. The Valero Alamo Bowl will be televised nationally by ESPN with kickoff set for 9 p.m. EST.
