U-M hopes to land fast, aggressive LB JenkinsBy Sam Webb
When it comes prospect evaluations, sometimes hype exceeds actual ability. Whether it's college recruiting or the NFL draft, "overrated" is an adjective never far from most discussions. That said, there are also numerous instances in which prospects actually live up their lofty billings. On my trip down to Olney, Md., last weekend, I observed such a player.
Our Lady of Good Counsel star Jelani Jenkins is considered by Scout.com to be the No. 2 linebacker in the country and No. 7 prospect overall -- and he played like it. On the first defensive series of the game against a bigger, more ballyhooed opponent, Jenkins set tone for his squad by knifing through the line for a tackle for loss. At 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, he clearly isn't the biggest backer, but he used his 4.45 speed to track plays from sideline to sideline. At the same time, he delivered the type of punishing blows that belie his size.
Simply put, this D.J. Williams play-alike is a violent football player. Whether it's on offense or defense, high-speed collisions are his forte. His propensity for dispensing pain was actually more evident in his play at fullback on a night when he consistently laid crushing blocks and ran over opponents on his way to two touchdowns.
It was quickly evident why Jenkins has amassed nearly 40 offers from coaches across the country. He is a difference-maker. Michigan is among those that have been aggressively pursuing the five-star prospect for quite some time. U-M's efforts are being spearheaded by defensive coordinator Scott Shafer.
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