The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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68 THE WOLVERINE AUGUST 2019 COMMITMENT PROFILE O lney (Md.) Good Counsel three- star strongside defensive end Kris Jenkins Jr. picked up his Michi- gan offer pretty late in the cycle, but immediately named U-M as one of his favorites and set up an official visit for the weekend of June 21-23. Once he gets on campus, the 6-3, 235-pounder — Rivals' No. 21 pros- pect in Maryland and No. 48 strong- side defensive end in the nation — saw everything he needed to see and decided to pick the Wolverines about a week after returning home. "All the commitments Michigan got did play a role in my commitment," Jenkins said. "Seeing some of these guys on my official visit and being around them, I got to see their person- alities and figure out who they were. That made me think about who I will be surrounding myself with in college. "It was also because of the environ- ment and how they focus on academ- ics and athletics. They have all the tools that can make me the best man possible, and that environment is go- ing to be the place for me." Jenkins also touched on how he could potentially develop at U-M un- der defensive line coach Shaun Nua. "The coaches were telling me they are going to let me develop in any way possible," he said. "It all depends on whether I gain a few pounds or stay around the same weight. "They are pretty much looking forward to moving me all over the defensive line and maybe even as an outside linebacker. They want to use me the best way they can." Rivals Mid-Atlantic recruiting an- alyst Adam Friedman is also pretty anxious to see how Jenkins develops. With phenomenal bloodlines from his father, Kris Jenkins Sr., there's much to be curious about with the rising senior. The elder Jenkins played 10 sea- sons in the NFL for the Carolina Pan- thers (2001-07) and New York Jets (2008-10), and was a two-time All- Pro and four-time Pro Bowl selection. "Jenkins is all potential right now," Friedman said. "He comes off of the ball well, and he has a great frame. He understands what he needs to do with his hands, but could get better there. He plays with pretty good leverage, and I really like how he gets into the backfield and just makes plays. "There's a ton of room left on his frame to fill out, and obviously he has the lineage to be pretty special. His dad is going to be in the NFL Hall of Fame probably, so there's a lot working for Kris Jr. in that regard." Jenkins also leaned on his father throughout the recruiting process, and that helped him make an in- formed decision when picking the Wolverines. "My dad had a really big effect on my recruitment," Jenkins said. "He's really been focused on not only giving me the best opportunity to pick the right school, but to help me find more of what I need for down the road." With his best football ahead of him, Jenkins might not make an impact on the field for a couple of years. He will have a chance to perfect his craft, fig- ure out his best position and get big- ger and stronger before he's called on. As a junior, Jenkins recorded more than 70 tackles with 10 sacks. The big defensive lineman also blocked two kicks. — Brandon Brown Defensive End Kris Jenkins Jr. Will Bring Strong Pedigree To Ann Arbor FILM EVALUATION Strengths: Kris Jenkins Jr. is a well- rounded, effective player. His best characteristic is just that he's solid, doesn't make mistakes and strives to get better. He knows how to play with leverage and has plenty of natural ability, including excellent quickness and balance for a big young man. His genes obviously don't hurt ei- ther. As the son of a potential Hall of Famer, football player, he has some natural abilities within him that others simply don't have. Areas Of Improvement: It's all about development for Jenkins. He has a lot of room left to add good weight, and will likely also get quicker and more explosive as he adds mus- cle to his lower body and core. He has been good already, but has a chance to be very good if he keeps growing and learning once he is in Ann Arbor. Michigan Player Comparison: Jen- kins is listed at just 235 pounds by Rivals, but he is likely bigger than that and will be much bigger by this time next year. That means he could end up being a lot like former Wolverine Willie Henry when he shows up in Ann Arbor. Henry was around 314 pounds when he arrived at U-M, and while Jenkins likely won't be that big out of the gate he could get close to 300 pounds be- fore making an impact. He has got po- sition versatility and good burst like Henry did, and could really push the pocket from the interior of the line if that is where he ends up playing. — Analysis from TheWolverine.com Jenkins' father, Kris Sr., played 10 seasons in the NFL for the Carolina Panthers (2001-07) and New York Jets (2008-10), and was a two-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowl selection. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM