By: BRANDON HANNAHS (ZanesvilleTimesRecorder.com) —
ZANESVILLE - Malcolm Jenkins battled his way to find the ball on the field.
And the Ohio State senior defensive back fought his way through the weather to meet fans and sign autographs for loyal fans Tuesday at Cardboard Heroes in Colony Square Mall.

“Just to see the fans willing to come out in this weather means a lot to me,” Jenkins said. “This is great to get this kind of turnout despite the weather.”

Though the numbers were down due to the snow and ice, Buckeye supporters still came out to take part in this rare opportunity. Many appreciated the likely first-round pick stopping in the Y-City.

“I’ve been coming to these (signings) for four or five years,” Christine Rowe of Zanesville said. “It’s really nice to see the players come out and for fans to get to meet them one-on-one.”

“It’s huge especially this time of year to spend some time with the fans,” Heath Bateson from Crooksville commented. “It shows a lot about his character and his appreciation for our support.”

Though the weather may have kept some youngsters out of school, they weren’t going to let snow stop them from meeting one of their favorite Buckeyes.

“I gotta be here. I’ve never had anything signed before,” said 9-year-old Malcolm Wiggins, who also plays safety for his biddy league team. “I just want to try to be as good as him.”

“It’s cool that he’s in Zanesville and I get to meet him,” said Caleb Craig, who is also nine and plays linebacker for his biddy squad. “He’s really fast and good. When he has a bad play, he keeps his head up.”

Jenkins enjoyed meeting and talking to the local Buckeye supporters. He knows it’s important to show fans their backing matters to himself and the rest of team.

“To go one-on-one with fans is good,” he stated. “They watch you in the stands or on TV, but it’s nice to see their faces and shake their hands. When you see their smiles, it makes it worthwhile.”

Many hope the Ohio State standout will put smiles on their faces after April’s NFL draft. Many experts have Jenkins going in the Top 10 with Todd McShay of ESPN having him going to Cleveland with the fifth pick.

Though Jenkins, who is a New Jersey native, doesn’t have a preference, he wouldn’t mind being a Brown.

“My goal is to go Top 5,” he said. “When looking at the first five teams, Cleveland would probably be a place I could go. I know a lot of people from there and know I would have a lot of fans. I think it would be a good fit for me.”

Several autograph seekers had Jenkins signing Cleveland gear, just in case he becomes a Brown, and hope he will be displaying the Orange Cialis buy & Brown soon.

“We need help on defense, and he would help us out. I think it would be great if he played for Cleveland,” Bateson said.

Jenkins doesn’t regret skipping the pro ranks last season and made the most of his return to Columbus.

“The things I’ve learned throughout my career are priceless,” he said. “Playing against Michigan, playing in four BCS games, being a captain and taking part of Senior Day are things money can’t buy.”

Like many Buckeyes debating to stay or go pro, Jenkins discussed his options with Jim Tressel after his junior season. Though his coach didn’t persuade him either way, Tressel gave him advice that made the decision easier.

“I told him my individual goals and things I wanted to accomplish, and he told me to follow my heart,” Jenkins said. “He did say if I came back, I needed to understand that I couldn’t make mistakes. I had to play to the best of my ability and achieve my full potential.”

Jenkins learned from that advice as he looks to join many great Ohio State defensive backs at the next level. He admitted a daunting task lies if he wants to be mentioned with players like New Jersey native Jack Tatum, Ahmed Plummer and Antoine Winfield.

“I actually had to write an article on the tradition of cornerbacks at Ohio State,” he said. “I learned from many guys who are in front of me. I know I have to perform at the next level.”

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