The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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prep profiles Mammoth Offensive Tackle Might Favor Michigan Pittsburgh standout offensive line"It was definitely what I expected it to man Sterling Jenkins has essentially be," he said. "I really liked it up there. It just started his recruitment, but the 6-8, definitely lived up to my expectations. 296-pounder has already formed an It had a really homey feel to it, and I got early list of schools in which he's most along really well with the coaches." interested. Penn State, Pittsburgh, Ohio Jenkins' first game-day experience, State, Ole Miss and Tennessee stand out though, came this fall in Pittsburgh, among the 13 schools that offered him where he saw the Panthers take on Florida State. It was his early, but a sixth — Sterling Jenkins first college footMichigan — might ball game in perbe in pole position. ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ son even as a fan Jenkins earned Baldwin High School and a memory he notice from plenty Pittsburgh won't forget. of analysts and Class: 2015 "I've never expecoaches, following Position: Offensive Tackle rienced the excitea summer of elite Ht.: 6-8 • Wt.: 296 camps, including Rivals.com Rankings: Rivals250 to ment that came with it," he said. the Rivals100 FiveWatch list "To see my city like Star Challenge presented by Under Armour at Soldier Field that … it was really exciting to see it and in Chicago. His confidence has risen be there. I always wanted to see how it with his improved technique. feels to be at a college football game, "I think for the most part the camps and it was pretty great." helped me with technique," Jenkins said. He'll get several more opportunities "They gave me a bar to set after playing before he makes a decision. He plans with the best. That's something I think on seeing Penn State play Ohio State, about when I'm out there practicing and Michigan play at Penn State and the playing. It's definitely motivation to get Wolverines host Ohio State in the season finale. He also plans to see Pitt again better." Baldwin High started 1-2 this year, and is open to others, as well. U-M, PSU and OSU, though, seem to playing in one of the state's tougher conferences, though Jenkins has report- stand out. The big tackle keeps in touch edly done his job in living up to his high with 2014 commits such as Chase Winranking as one of Rivals.com's 250 ju- ovich and Michael Ferns, and has built a good relationship with the Wolverines. niors to watch. "I like the recruits that are going there," Michigan was Jenkins' first major offer (May 3), putting the Wolverines in good he said. "I've talked to them a bunch, shape. He left the July Barbeque at The and they seem like really cool guys. Big House not only with good feelings That's going to be a factor when I pick about the Wolverines, but also knowing a school." the U‑M coaches coveted him. — Chris Balas