The Big East's best: No. 30, Jeff Linkenbach
January, 27, 2010
1/27/10
10:36
AM ET
By
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
A postseason ranking of the top 30 players in the Big East ...
No. 30
Jeff Linkenbach, LT, Cincinnati
LinkenbachPreseason rank: No. 23
Why him here: Linkenbach was the anchor for a Bearcats line that tied with Pittsburgh for the fewest sacks allowed, with just 15 all season. That's remarkable when you consider that Cincinnati passed the ball nearly 100 times more than any other league team this year. Linkenbach did a great job of protecting the blind side of both Tony Pike and Zach Collaros, and doing it in a fast-paced offense that demanded a lot of its linemen.
On the other hand, Linkenbach looked a little slow against some of the best defensive ends he played against this year in the South Florida, Pitt and Florida games. Despite his excellent size (6-foot-6, 311 pounds), his status as an NFL prospect remains questionable. He was not invited to any of the three major senior all-star showcase games and has yet to receive an NFL combine invitation. Still, he was easily one of the best offensive linemen in the league not only this year, but during much of his career.
No. 30
Jeff Linkenbach, LT, Cincinnati
Why him here: Linkenbach was the anchor for a Bearcats line that tied with Pittsburgh for the fewest sacks allowed, with just 15 all season. That's remarkable when you consider that Cincinnati passed the ball nearly 100 times more than any other league team this year. Linkenbach did a great job of protecting the blind side of both Tony Pike and Zach Collaros, and doing it in a fast-paced offense that demanded a lot of its linemen.
On the other hand, Linkenbach looked a little slow against some of the best defensive ends he played against this year in the South Florida, Pitt and Florida games. Despite his excellent size (6-foot-6, 311 pounds), his status as an NFL prospect remains questionable. He was not invited to any of the three major senior all-star showcase games and has yet to receive an NFL combine invitation. Still, he was easily one of the best offensive linemen in the league not only this year, but during much of his career.
Brian Bennett | email
College Football- ESPN.com Big Ten blogger
- Joined ESPN.com in 2008
- Wrote for The Courier-Journal
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Andrea Adelson
Adelson joined ESPN.com in 2010 after spending time as a college football columnist at The Orlando Sentinel. She has covered college football since her days as a University of Florida student, and lives in Orlando, Fla.
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