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Though a contentious figure in his own right, Adam ‘Pacman’ Jones knows a little something about playing cornerback.
The former West Virginia standout had a 12-year career in the NFL, despite not being the most imposing figure, listed at 5-foot-10, 185 pounds. So getting to see Michigan early-enrollee Andre Seldon — one of two signed cornerbacks in the 2020 class — in person, Jones was impressed with his capability.
In the Under Armour All-America Bowl, Seldon did a fine job on five-star Ohio State signee Julian Fleming, rated as the top player at his position in the country. At 6-foot-5, it was a difficult proposition, yet, regardless of his diminutive stature, Seldon held his own — perhaps a sign of things to come?
So what makes him so good? Jones shared his thoughts with MLive’s Aaron McMann at the Under Armour all-star showcase.
“Smart,” Jones said of Seldon. “(He) was one of the smartest guys that we had here as far as football knowledge.”
Seldon was listed at 5 feet, 9 inches and 160 pounds for the Under Armour-sponsored game, though Michigan officially lists him at a lighter 5-8, 154 pounds. Jones, who finished his career listed at 5-feet-10 and 185 pounds, says Seldon can overcome the size disadvantage in college by “playing with grit.”
“Technique has a lot to do with it,” said Jones, whose NFL career included stints with the Tennessee Titans, Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos, but was also plagued by a series of off-the-field incidents involving police.
“And studying. The size don’t mean nothing. It’s about the fight in the dog — not the size.”
read more from MLive on Seldon via Pacman Jones
Seldon is now on campus in official capacity, and has an opportunity to compete for an early starting position, now that Lavert Hill is moving on to the NFL. Given his status as an early-enrollee, he’ll have both spring ball as well as fall camp to get acclimated as such.
Surely, there are others ahead of him, with the Green twins, DJ Turner, Jalen Perry, George Johnson III and others already working at cornerback with a year or more under their belts.
But Seldon doesn’t shy away from any challenge, exemplified by his move from a consensus three-star to a four-star prospect playing in one of two premier high school-to-college showcases. Whether he makes it as a starter in year one or not, there are bright things ahead for the former Belleville (MI) star.