The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1546004
AUGUST 2026 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 53 ❱ COMMIT PROFILE BY ETHAN MCDOWELL B lake Jenkins held offers from nearly 50 schools before making his Mich- igan commitment in early June. He only visited the Wolverines once, but that's all he needed to shut things down and pick the Big Ten program over some in- state options. The four-star cornerback from Katy (Texas) Tompkins High strongly con- sidered the likes of SMU and Vander- bilt, but in the end, U-M was the clear choice for him. Michigan cornerbacks coach Jernaro Gilford made him a top priority, and he pledged to the program on June 4. "It really wasn't close, to be honest," Jenkins said. "Mentally, I feel like I've got to go where's best for me. Going to in-state schools, I'll be most comfort- able, but I feel like educationally, foot- ball schematic-wise, it's a no-brainer to go to Michigan. "Me saying this, I'm not just saying that. You have to go visit Michigan. And that was a blessing in itself. They of- fered me late, I wasn't going to go on the visit, and I went on the visit, and it changed my life, for sure." Jenkins returned to campus on June 19 for a Victors Weekend official visit. He committed to Michigan for football reasons, but he deepened his connec- tion with the program and university overall on the trip, leaving campus fired up about his future. "I loved the town," Jenkins said. "It was a great experience being out there with the people, the coaching staff. It's great. It's perfect. It's different, again, from Texas. I feel like I'm making a big jump in my future in general, and I just love it there. I can't even explain how excited I am. You can probably see it from my OV pictures. I was so excited, really excited." Spending time around his fellow commits was the highlight of the week- end. He also enjoyed the chance to con- nect with his player hosts — freshman Texan defensive backs Jordan Deck and Jamarion Vincent. He connected with quite a few future teammates as well — Quentin Burrell, Tavares Harrington, Darius Johnson, and Charles Woodson Jr. Jenkins felt comfortable with the people surround- ing him in Ann Arbor. "I love those kids so much," Jenkins said. He's "pumped" about his fellow com- mits. Jenkins already trusts Harrington and said Johnson is a great player as well. The Wolverine pledge bonded par- ticularly well with Woodson. "I feel like this secondary is going to be very powerful," Jenkins said. "C- Wood, we just have this bond, this con- nection. We're the same people." The 6-foot-0.5, 190-pound defender feels great about his decision coming out of the official visit. He's continuing to build a great connection with Gil- ford. Their connection isn't forced or awkward, and now he has relationships throughout the building and locker room. Next, he's trying to make sure this recruiting cycle finishes strong. Jenkins wants to be a leader for the 2027 class. Jenkins will enroll early with the Wolverines. He remains completely committed to the program and knew Michigan was the right spot for him the first time he set foot on campus. A few months later, that feeling still rings true. "I wanted to commit on the spring visit," Jenkins said. "You realize, all the commits, they've only been there once or twice. … This is not a coincidence. Michigan is doing something for sure. It's the Whitt era. They call it the Whitt era for a reason." ❑ Blake Jenkins Joins 'Powerful' Secondary Class PLAYER EVALUATION STRENGTHS: On tape, Jenkins' physical- ity pops. He already has a college-ready frame at 6-0.5, 190 pounds and uses it to his advantage in press coverage. Jenkins logged 26 total tackles and 2 intercep- tions as a junior. For a taller corner, he still looks twitchy and closes gaps in cov- erage quickly. Jenkins is a very willing tackler and does not shy away from that part of the game. He's particularly good at avoiding/blowing up blocks to disrupt screen plays. Given his man-coverage skill set and developed frame, he has the chance to carve out a role early in his collegiate career. AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT: Jenkins checks a lot of boxes from a frame, length and physicality standpoint. We just need to see verified speed times from him to complete the evaluation. PLAYER COMPARISON: Miami corner- back Brody Jennings — Jenkins reminds us of Jennings, a former Michigan com- mit, because of his physicality and col- lege-ready frame. A lack of verified speed times is likely the only thing holding him back in the rankings. — Ethan McDowell The Rivals Industry Rankings listed Jenkins as a four-star prospect, and the No. 268 player and No. 31 cornerback nationally. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS