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ORLANDO, Fla. - In many ways, Jelani Jenkins is the perfect prospect for Tennessee.
First, he's good, real good, as evident by his ranking as one of the elite linebackers in the nation.
Second, the standout from Good Counsel High School in Wheaton, Md., is undecided, which is a bit unusual for a prospect of his ilk this deep into the recruiting calendar.
And last, he plays defense meaning new UT defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin's sales pitch could be quite potent.
"He's a coach with great prestige," the 6-foot-1, 210-pound Jenkins said in between festivities for the Under Armour All-American Game on Sunday. "That definitely plays a big role. I'm trying to go to the NFL after college. He has NFL experience."
Yet there is a still a big hurdle for UT to overcome. Remember that whole coaching change thing? Not good.
"That really is important, the program's stability," Jenkins said. "I guess I would really have to meet the coaches and feel comfortable with them before I went to Tennessee. I'm looking forward to meeting with them."
That is in the works. Jenkins hasn't spoken to UT coach Lane Kiffin but his people have.
"My dad handles more of the recruiting," Jenkins said.
Jenkins has the list of prospective schools you'd expect from one of the highest ranked prospects in the nation. He's considering official visits to UT, Southern California, Boston College, Notre Dame, Maryland, Illinois and Virginia Tech.
Jenkins has an official visit scheduled to Penn State and has already taken one to Florida. Yet he maintains those two schools don't have an edge just because they've locked down the first two official visits.
"Nah, not at all," Jenkins said. "They were just the only ones that I set my visits for."
The Florida visit should most concern UT. If Jenkins isn't going to chose the Vols, they'd surely rather see him play in Pennsylvania than Gainesville.
"It was fun," Jenkins said of the Florida visit. "I enjoyed it and learned a lot about the school. It was cool."
He still has time to make that decision. As for now, he's focused on Sunday's all-star event.
"I'm really excited about this game," Jenkins said. "I have a lot of expectations. It's a chance to play against a lot of great competition. It's my last high school game. I'm excited."
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
National Signing Day 2010
Signing day celebration at Neyland…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 71
seattlevol writes:
Go get em Monte!
cainclifton23 writes:
This would make us a top 10 class.
and if we can get brown. and Jeffreys.
maybe a top 5
G8er_H8er writes:
Jelani you would look good in Orange. Playing for the Kiffin's and Coach O. We need LB's. Come on down to Knoxville.
gnm53108 writes:
Dont know alot about the kid but sounds like a stud.
What I like most is the attention the VOLS are getting from the top tallent.
RockyTop writes:
It would be a huge victory to pick this guy up. Hopefully the coaching additions will help.
bluetick writes:
Seems to me it would be hard to turn down the Vols. With all of the coaching talent we have along now with someone who can sell (Orgeron). Just let him see the facilities and talk to MK and it's over. I think we'll get this dude after it's all said and done.
rabidvol1998 writes:
I've always wondered how well we do with kids who don't visit during the season to experience the atmosphere?
hotrodvol writes:
The talent will come, our coaches are working from behind everyone else. They have just over a month to close on these guys.
cainclifton23 writes:
Just because FL is on there. TN is an Elite Program. just cause they had a down year doesnt mean recruits dont wanna come here.
Good Try though.
I cant wait til Marlon Brown and this guy and we hear you and dc
"ah he wasnt that good anyway." "We never REALLY offered this guy"
hotrodvol writes:
gatorzz, you remind me of a big zitt right in the middle of someones' forehead. You try to ignore it, look over it, block it out of your mind, but nope there it is.
But anyways everyone have a Happy New Year!!!
yeavols#228407 writes:
You jumped to this story..let's see how many posts you can write here..Notice I am not responding to your rants..hey..HOW AM I DOIN?
Urbiewerecomingtogetyou writes:
I can see it now in the marquee lights!!
The Big Orange Swarm!!
Comming to a swamp near you!!
gnm53108 writes:
Yea but we dont have many spots left to fill.With the attention we are getting hopefully we will be able to pick and choose the best studs to fill our needs instead of just taking someone with a gazillion stars.
yeavols#228407 writes:
This is a GATORZZ moment when he feels like he he has gotten to UT bloggers: (p.s. light a candle)
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g87...
gnm53108 writes:
I sure would like a big ugly megastar stud for the offense and defensive line.
hotrodvol writes:
Baahahaha!!!
bluetick writes:
Jesus! That is disgusting! What websites are you trolling to find phooey like that? Now I will go puke!
lomas98 writes:
Never heard of him as being interested before coaching change. Now he has some sort of interest but says stability is a concern. What does that mean? Have stabililty and not interested. Make coaching change with NFL experience and now interested but worried about stability. Make up your mind kid.
sameolvolalum writes:
Congrats to Jerod Mayo for being selected as AP's NFL defensive rookie of the year. He got 49 of the 50 votes. His 136 tackles led the Patriots.
VolPatrick writes:
Uh oh.... it... is... starting...
Sic Orgeron and Monte on that young fella and dare him to say no!
blitzshoot writes:
He would be a good pick up. Wherever he goes I believe he will make a difference. I agree, we need to send in the big guns for a face-to-face.
volfanincarolina writes:
That's a good one yeavols and also gatorzz is the hemroid in my backside as well.
WeLoveTennesseeVols writes:
If history repeats itself, he will be a Vol!
Eric_Freaking_Berry writes:
Here's hoping they can convince Jenkins that the staff they've started piecing together is like being handed a ticket to the NFL that you can only redeem in 4 years. This would definitely be a fantastic way to finalize this year's class.
txsvol#372416 writes:
Get that LB from North Jackson HS in Ala! I plan to watch him this Saturday on NBC in the US Army bowl. SAVol
harvo12#250673 writes:
seriously? do you honestly think UT has a shot with this kid? no way. he's the top rated LB on rivals, and he's not going to go to a school that didn't even make a bowl game just because monte kiffin is there. any other school in the nation can get you to the pros if your good enough. We'll be playing him next year.
FWBVol writes:
I don't know how much of shot we have at this kid, but I think UT does have a shot at this, and any other kid it wants. That said, a shot doesn't mean we will get them.
Tennessee has been to a bowl game all but two of the last 20 years. That's not to mention the seven SEC East titles, two SEC crowns and a national championship during Fulmer's tenure.
I know, Lane Kiffin's the coach now, but that shows what UT is capable of achieving, and any kid would be crazy to not to give the Vols a long and serious look.
Vanderbilt played in, and won, the Music City Bowl this year, so does that make Vandy more attractive to a recruit than UT? I don't think so.
Tennessee ranks among the top 10 in college football history in wins and winning percentage, and is in the top five in bowl appearances. And I won't even go into our facilities which are second to none.
yeavols#228407 writes:
I am sure Florida is on his list.I'll be the first to remind you when he turns down yours...Just sayin..=)
gnm53108 writes:
gatorzz...
I'm trying to help,really,and I think I can save you a whole lot of wasted time.
This site is about,as far as I can tell,95% full of Vol fans.You are welcome here,kinda of,and you can show your little gator pride.You can argue,talk smack,even list about a zillion stats,but you are never gonna convince us that the gators have a better program,school,school colors,athletic department,cheerleaders,coach,he11 even quality of air.
I hope that helps.
ps..I hope yaw beat the Sh1t out of OK.
Couchdummy writes:
Who is Naffy? I see his name mentioned often, but don't know who he is???
mpm80#1357758 writes:
all these gator fans that hang out here are nothing more than turds that wont flush
Couchdummy writes:
Thanks General!!
adamsck#591720 writes:
Lemmeteya, dis gonn be great. Yawyawyaw. Ol coachO an coach monte gonn visi dissa,yawyaw, playa jelani an bring hi home fo daVols. yawyawyawfootbaw. Somebody browt ol coach O hi humma. Lemmeteya. Yawyaw.
txvolsfan writes:
Big O couldn't turn them down. He says he wants coaching stability. Urban is trying to get to his, "Dream Job" (hint: He isn't at it yet)
HtownVol writes:
I would love to have Jenkins, jut dont forget Donald, Askew, McCoy, plus the other 3 LBs we recruited. We are not hurting at LB. I want more lineman on both sides ans Marlon Brown, or/and Jeffries, Carrol and please dont let Stokes go. That nis what we need to have a succesful class.
HtownVol writes:
Dammm I cant spell. It was a rough night
volroadwarrior writes:
Hey guys. Come down to earth. gatorzz is just stirring the pot and was successful. Coach Kiffen is methodically implementing his plan. First, to get a top notch staff, which he is well on his way to fulfilling. Next, to upgrade this year's recruiting class, which is not done, but hopefully will get rolling this month. The new staff should bring in a few top stars, but don't expect miracles in this class. We got a late start and many prospects may be reluctant to de-commit. We now have a few visits scheduled and are likely to get a few more. Hopefully, we can close on a good percentage of them with the new staff. Then the staff can concentrate on getting 2010 prospects in the pipeline early and coach up our current squad and new comers in the spring, summer and fall. Happy New Year everyone.
HtownVol writes:
I forgot to mention G Williams, M Walls. Them with McCoy, Askew, Donald we have great LBs. Not sayin I dont want this guy, but we are not hurting at LB. We need lineman and M Brown!
feathersax writes:
Way too funny...but somehow I pictured gay-torzz looking just like this! Sweatin' to the oldies, florida guy?
HtownVol writes:
I say we get a top 15 class this year. Our current players get better coaching and we go 9-4 next year. Then with all the recruiting coordinators on our staff we WILL have a top 5 class next year, led by a top 3 QB. Thats what will happen. Take it to the bank. This year if we keep what we have(Stokes) and get1 or 2 more lineman and Marlon Brown that will make every VOL fan happy with this class. Fla, Bama fans will say we didnt get a good class, but we will have filled some holes with great talent to go with the good talent we have. I wont complain at all!
TommyJack writes:
I've said this before. I think gatorzz is a KNS plant..maybe even Hooker. I think 99gator is only legit gator poster. zz is a paid inciter. My take.
southernson writes:
In the words of the great International Spy,WEVE GOT OUR MOJO BACK BABY YEAA
tennesseebee writes:
oh, my garsh that was harsh. you mean Gatorzz looks like Richard Simmons? I would have sworn he was more like the fat blob whom Richard Simmons holds his hand and cries with.
99gator writes:
i would tell you that this one will be a gator.
but, then, everyone would say that i think they will all be gators.
so, i won't tell you that this one will be a gator.
but, a lot of time left between now and signing day.
jsm67vol writes:
It can only help us with this kid that he didn't see the amosphere this season. Its great to see UT gettting on the "lists" of some top prospects nationally.
jsm67vol writes:
He would be a great pick up for this staff so late in the game. If new coaches get him great, if not good luck young man. From what i've seen from this staff already, its so obvious we UT fans don't have to worry about one guy. There is not a gator or bammer that can say anything to upset me. UT is back in the national forefront and there is not one freaking thing anybody can do about it. Enjoy the past few years bama, gators, bulldogs. No longer will you so quickly mark a W beside UT on the schedule. Great hire Hamilton! Go get'em Coach Kiffin!!! GO VOLS!!!
Volunteer writes:
This kid is a freakin stud... I had to look at the highlight real twice... He plays a little full back too. Check out this kids speed as a linebacker!
http://www.youtube.com/watchv=kF012A8...
johnlg00#206211 writes:
No, he is a race BAITER who has never had anything good to say about any present or former Vol player or coach who isn't black. Well, he does make an exception for Bruce Pearl, but for the life of me I can't think of any others.
Volunteer writes:
jsm67vol, i 100% agree with you. Wether the rest of the nation wants to admit it or not, Tennessee is back. I look at the coaching changes and where we still rank on the recruiting trail and i really cant believe it.
With the addition of our two latest hires, Lane Kiffin is right...There is not one household in America that we cant go in and compete with the likes of Florida, Bama, or USC! Tennesse is back!
GhostofRobertNeyland writes:
you left out best song - Rocky Top!!!
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