The DeAndre Baker situation has the football world questioning the New York Giants’ ability to vet players coming out of college. Baker was a 2019 first round draft pick who is currently in a legal jackpot in his home state of Florida, accused of armed robbery and aggravated assault.
Many hope that Baker is an outlier in the three draft classes that Dave Gettleman has presided over. So far, that appears to be the case. Gettleman has brought in a bunch of high-character players such as Saquon Barkley, Daniel Jones and Dexter Lawrence.
In this year’s draft class, one player, Minnesota linebacker Carter Coughlin, comes in with a stellar reputation both on and off the field. Coughlin was named a recipient of the prestigious Big Ten Medal of Honor.
Very humbled to receive this award! Also a huge congrats to @ivylu98 https://t.co/6n5R0wgRDx
— Carter Coughlin (@Cmoe34) May 14, 2020
The Big Ten Medal of Honor is “awarded to one male and one female student from the graduating class of each member institution who has demonstrated excellence on and off the field throughout their college career.”
Former recipients of the award, originated 106 years ago, are Drew Brees (Purdue, 2001); 10-time NCAA basketball champion head coach John Wooden (Purdue, 1932); Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy (Minnesota, 1977); former Yankees manager and catcher Joe Girardi (Northwestern, 1986); Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Bob Griese (Purdue, 1967); and Basketball Hall of Famer Jerry Lucas (Ohio State, 1963).
Coughlin was a seventh round selection (No. 218 overall) of the Giants after a very productive career at Minnesota where he was a two-time second team All-Big Ten selection.
As a junior in 2018, Coughlin racked up 48 tackles and led the Gophers with 9.5 sacks, 15 tackles for loss and forced four fumbles. He excelled again as a senior, recording 49 tackles with 9.5 for loss with 4.5 sacks.
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