Defensive Back Runs In The Muhammad Family

Among Jabbar's relatives are his older brothers EJ and Khairi Muhammad, who played cornerback and safety at Nevada and North Texas, respectively, and his cousin A.J. Green, a cornerback with the Cleveland Browns. 

Shockingly, not every member of his family plays defensive back. Muhammad also counts Texas freshman edge rusher Billy Walton III as a first cousin.

"I've got a huge family, humongous," Muhammad said. "I think I've got about 60 first cousins and they're all coming out here for the game. We'll see if we can get tickets for all of them."

As for his relationship with Malik, even though the two aren't talking as much as they used to when growing up, there's nothing but love between them.

"He used to cry when he couldn't spend the night over at my house, that's how close we are," Muhammad said. "Now we get to bump heads and I'm ready for it."

However, Malik Muhammad has grown up a lot since those childhood days and doesn't look like a first-year player, according to his cousin.

"He doesn't play like a freshman," Jabbar Muhammad said. "He's out there on the biggest stage on an island. He has a lot of confidence out there, he's playing fast and really doesn't look like a freshman."

When the Sugar Bowl kicks off, Jabbar Muhammad will look to continue his stellar season while his cousin could be forced to step into a more prominent in a short-handed Texas secondary.

The Longhorns will have to play the first half of the game without freshman safety Derek Williams, who was ejected on a targeting call during the Big 12 championship against Oklahoma State.

Clearly, talented defensive backs litter the Muhammad family and both of the ones here in New Orleans will have their hands full with two of the nation's best groups of pass-catchers with a trip to the national championship on the line.