One of the nation’s best high school players never really thought he’d get the kind of attention he is currently garnering. Jordan Jenkins, considered by many to be not just the best player in the state of Georgia but perhaps the nation’s best defensive end prospect, says he is just thankful to be in a position to be able to select where he will attend college and play football. Jenkins recently spoke about the recruiting process and revealed the two schools that are ahead of every one else.
Though a defensive end on his Harris County (GA) squad, Jenkins believes he will be asked to also play a little bit of outside linebacker at the next level, which is he fine with. Jenkins noted in a recent interview that while he has mostly played with his hand in the dirt, he believes he can drop back into coverage due to his athleticism while also getting after the quarterback. Last year Jenkins played alongside defensive lineman LaMichael Fanning at Harris County after Fanning had given his verbal pledge to Alabama. Despite playing beside a player Nick Saban had his eye on, it was Jenkins that stood out, earning kudos from all of the major recruiting services and appearing on many junior watch lists. Now with all of the scholarship offers and all-star game invitations pouring in, Jenkins said that several schools have done enough to earn official visits but two stand out above the rest.
The in-state Georgia Bulldogs have been making big strides recently. “I like how family-oriented (coach) Mark Richt is,” said Jenkins. “I like all of the coaches.” Jenkins was particularly enthralled with defensive coordinator Todd Grantham. “Coach Grantham has a really great defense. He broke it down for me one day. It isn’t too simple but isn’t too hard for me not to understand.”
Jenkins hopes to play outside linebacker as well as a bit of defensive end in Athens, should he commit to the Bulldogs. He admitted that Grantham, Richt and Georgia are looking at him as an outside linebacker.
Many believed early on that Will Muschamp and the Florida Gators would land Jenkins early on in the process, especially after Jenkins’ father spoke so highly of the Florida program. Jenkins seems high on the Gators but perhaps not as high as he once was. “Nobody’s been in the lead recently,” Jenkins revealed. He would go on to say the Gainesville environment, “feels like another home. It feels so good down there.”
Jenkins had plenty of high praise for Coach Muschamp and Coach Dan Quinn, and the Florida coach may have one big advantage according to the rising senior. “He (Muschamp) reminds me of my high school coach.”
Georgia Tech and Auburn have also earned official visits according to Jenkins as both offer certain important factors. In regards to Georgia Tech, Jenkins really enjoyed his recent visit to the Flats and he said Al Groh is “another coach I really like.”
Auburn meanwhile has the teammate angle that appeals to Jenkins. “I know some of the recruits and some of the players already there, which is cool.” Jenkins mentioned Jeff Whitaker and Gabe Wright as two of the Tigers he has spoken with about the school.
What will it ultimately come down to though for Jenkins? Will the Auburn player connection be enough? “I like to have coaches that I’ll have a strong relationship with.” Jenkins also mentioned safety as a factor, in that he wants his parents not to worry about him for the next few years. Jenkins set a timetable of December or January for his decision and once on campus Jenkins said he wants to do his best and get his name out there. For one of the best players in the country, getting his name out there shouldn’t be a problem. Plenty of people will know all about him and they likely won’t be disappointed, unless he doesn’t pick their school.
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