Day 81: Andy Shalbrack
Andy Shalbrack deserves your attention (CREDIT: Columbia Athletics)
I like to finish off these lists of 10 notable Columbia players at every position with a current Lion. And I also always like to give as much recognition to Andy Shalbrack '10 as I can.
I'm one of those many Columbia fans who is disappointed, but not shocked, by the lack of recognition Shalbrack's standout play has received from the Ivy League in general so far in his career.
In 2006, a strong argument could have been made that he was the true Ivy Rookie of the Year, and not his teammate Austin Knowlin. I know because I made that argument myself.
But even after three great seasons in the defensive backfield, Shalbrack hasn't even been given an honorable mention nod for the All Ivy team in any of those three years. I can understand a snub in one or two of those years, but all three? Come on!
But I am not surprised either. Without any winning seasons at Columbia under his belt, Shalbrack just won't get the individual recognition he deserves.
So I guess it's up to us.
Shalbrack as a rookie wearing #49 (CREDIT: Columbia Athletics)
Shalbrack burst onto the season in his very first game with some hard hits on some unlucky Fordham ball carriers. He finished his freshman campaign as the Ivy interception leader, (and it seemed like all his picks were absolutely crucial that season).
As a sophomore he was one of the many victims of what I call the "2007 Columbia Injury Epidemic." But he still played in every game and made a spectacular interception return for a TD in the Princeton game that was a combination of aggressive play and perfect timing.
Last season he carried the load at safety while Columbia adjusted to a freshman starter at one corner position and a sophomore at the other. His most memorable moments were the interceptions that iced both Lion wins against Dartmouth and Cornell.
Shalbrack is not one of the official team captains this season, but he is the captain of that Lion secondary... don't even think otherwise.
When it comes to gaining the victories that will guarantee Shalbrack and many of his fellow seniors some well-deserved recognition, I just hope they're saving the best for last.
posted by Jake @ 2:23:00 AM
6 comments
6 Comments:
Jake-
As a fan of the defense, I appreciate your giving recognition to Andy Shalbrack. I sound like a homer and maybe so, but I have said for several years that Shalbrack deserved more credit than given by his opponents. His three year stats speak for themselves: two different positions, played in 30 games since a freshman, over 180 tackles, 9 INTs, forced fumbles and fumble recoveries, passes defended, the discipline, physical and mental tools to take it to a higher level. What else does he need to do to get some props? Look for a big season from Shalbrack, as a leader on the field, as a play maker and as a solid performer in a crucial role on the defensive side.
The Neckman
Amen to Jake & the Neckman! Andy Shalbrack is long overdue for some kudos. To his credit, he made the move from corner to strong safety during his sophomore year even though it would limit his ability to put up personal stats. If that's not a team player and a leader, then I don't know one.
Jake:
Thank you for your recognition of my son. You have been generous with you thoughts about him since he began his career.
I believe he has pride and "plenty of gas in the tank" to back up your wonderful comments.
Thanks for the the cudos.
Tim Shalbrack
This Columbia alum is another enthusiastic Andy Shalbrack fan. He's been a great clutch player for the Lions for three seasons and like his dad, I'm hoping that Andy has a spectacular senior season and leads the Lions to an Ivy League Championship.
Great piece about an outstanding player who -- in my humble opinion -- is the best safety in the Ivies. His lack of recognition comes as a mystery to me. Abare was the only safety who came even close to Andy. What else can we ask of him? He is a ball hawk, he can tackle, he can cover, and he gives 110%. Could it be that other Ivy coaches who tried to recruit Andy are not treating him fairly in the vote? I'll bet a player's poll around the league would put Andy at the top of the list of safeties. I expect that those past injustices will be set aside with a monster senior year. And a special note to Andy's Dad -- thanks for being a huge supporter of the program, and for identifying yourself on Jake's blog.
I think Shalbrack's lack of recognition comes down to two things:
1) Columbia's lack of overall wins in his three years.
2) The Ivies have become inordinately deep and talented in the defensive backfield area lately.
Winning more games will solve a lot of injustices for Columbia and our star players.
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