The secret is out. The University of Cincinnati has the top tandem of cornerbacks in college football.
Last week, graduate cornerback Coby Bryant became the first Cincinnati player to win the Jim Thorpe Award, presented annually to the top defensive back in college football.
More:Cincinnati Bearcats defensive back Coby Bryant makes history by winning Jim Thorpe Award
Not to be outdone, UC junior cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner this week became the third player (first non-specialist) in program history to be named a consensus All-American, joining former UC kicker Jonathan Ruffin (2000) and current Cincinnati Bengals punter Kevin Huber, who earned the honor for the Bearcats twice (2007-08).
"It's a blessing for sure," Gardner told The Enquirer on Thursday. "I'm proud of myself and what I've accomplished with my brothers. I feel like all the work I've put in has paid off."
A player becomes a consensus All-American by earning first-team All-America honors on at least half of the recognized All-America teams from around the country.
Gardner said it "feels great" being a consensus All-American, but he said it felt better seeing Bryant win the Thorpe Award.
More:Ahmad 'Sauce' Gardner, Coby Bryant are Cincinnati's impenetrable cornerback tandem
"That's my brother," Gardner said. "Us being a tandem, that means we've got to share some of the awards. We said at the beginning, 'If I don't get the Jim Thorpe Award, I want you to get it. If you don't get it, I'm going to get it.' So him winning the Thorpe Award, I still feel like it's me winning it even if that's not how it actually is. When I saw him win it – I watched it live – I was excited. My heart dropped before it was announced just like it was me being called. I'm proud of him."
The duo has locked down opposing wide receivers and pass catchers all season. But on New Year's Eve, as the No. 4-ranked Bearcats (13-0) take the field for the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Cincinnati's tandem of All-American cornerbacks will face its toughest test yet in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff: Alabama All-American wide receiver Jameson Williams.
"It's a blessing," Bryant said. "This is what you work for from Day One since you were a kid. You want to showcase your talents on the highest level, and whenever you go out there, just make the most of the opportunity and do what you do."
The Southeastern Conference champion Crimson Tide (12-1) have an explosive offense that features Heisman Trophy-winning sophomore quarterback Bryce Young and Williams, Young's top target.
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