NCAA Scouting - Player Profile:
Mike Jenkins, CB
by Paul Hopkins
3/3/2008
 
Mike Jenkins is seen as the top senior cornerback coming into the draft, after being one half of arguably the most formidable cornerback pairing in the country – alongside Trae Williams.
 
This Thorpe award semi-finalist, for the best defensive player in the nation has a tremendous upside, which should see him drafted well inside the first round of the 2008 draft. He finished his career at South Florida with 40 starts, recording 133 tackles and 6 interceptions, and in his final year was first team All American by AFCA, and second team All-American by rivals.com.
 
There are question marks over Jenkins however. During 2007 spring camp, Jenkins was arrested for misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest without violence after a fight erupted outside a bar he was attending a party for former USF linebacker Stephen Nicholas. Despite not being violent, police used a taser Jenkins and he was briefly suspended from the team.
 
The Diner considers what Jenkins can bring to the table and what more needs to be added to make him an elite part of an NFL secondary.
 
What we like about Jenkins
 
Jenkins has the size to bale to adapt to the NFL, possessing strong arms and an excellent athletic ability, he should be able to make the move to the pro's relatively seamlessly.
 
As a cornerback, he is physical and has the burst needed to keep up with receivers and make a move on the ball. Consequently, his coverage skills are excellent. He has a great leap to make a move on the ball.
 
Jenkins also, curiously, offers the potential to play at the free safety position, having gained experience at USF in this role. Indeed, he may well be more suited to this position.
 
He has good leadership skills, often mentoring the younger members of the team. However, this is not through taking on a vocal leadership role. Instead he sets a good example to others on the field.
 
Question marks over Jenkins
 
Jenkins can be inconsistent at times, relying more on his instincts than good mechanics and smart, intelligent play.
 
His awareness and ball skills are not the greatest, and his footwork can often lapse. Therefore, his long term future might lie more at free safety.
 
Jenkins also has off-the-field personality issues which franchises will need to investigate. His team-mates and coaches vouch for his behaviour but his last minute decision to not attend the Senior Bowl may see those questions resurface.
 
Highlight of his college career
 
Set a USF single game record with 192 kickoff return yards against the Cincinnati Bearcats in 2007. That included a 100-yard touchdown kickoff return, which was the longest in school history.
 
Other snippets

• Was born in Germany

• Compares to Carlos Rogers of the Washington Redskins or Brian Dawkins of the Philadelphia Eagles

• NFL teams Jenkins would be a good fit for include Arizona, Baltimore, New Orleans, Kansas City, Dallas and Green Bay.