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Wayne graduate Worthy named 1st-team All-American

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Staff and Wire Reports Updated 10:35 PM Wednesday, December 14, 2011

NEW YORK — Michigan State’s Jerel Worthy on Wednesday became the first Spartans defensive lineman on the Associated Press All-American first team since Bubba Smith in 1966.

“This is an unbelievable accomplishment, but I can’t take all of the credit for myself,” said Worthy, a 6-foot-3, 310-pound junior from Wayne High School. “I’m fortunate to play for a great defense — one that has ranked among the nation’s top 10 in total defense all season. I’m also blessed to play for a great coaching staff, and these coaches have pushed me every day to be successful.

“They taught me not to be content with my game and encouraged me to consistently play at a high level.”

Worthy finished with regular season with 25 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

“Jerel Worthy has been a three-year starter and throughout his career, he has shown the ability to make big plays,” said Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio. “Over the last two years, he has put together some dominating performances. Jerel helps anchor a defensive front seven that has ranked first in the Big Ten against the run all season long.”

Ohio State had one All-American representative, as junior defensive tackle John Simon was a third-team selection.

University of Cincinnati senior defensive tackle Derek Wolfe was named to the second team.

LSU’s Tyrann Mathieu and Morris Claiborne became the first cornerback teammates to lock down spots on the AP All-America team. Mathieu, a Heisman Trophy finalist, and Claiborne were joined on the first team by Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III of Baylor and finalists Montee Ball of Wisconsin and Trent Richardson of Alabama.

Heisman runner-up Andrew Luck from Stanford was the second-team quarterback.

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