Jefferson High is notorious for having extremely gifted football players. You don’t have to look far to see them in action. Ex-Jefferson WR, Andre Davis (USF) was named the Big East player of the week after a magnificent performance versus Nevada. Georgia LB, is starting to make his name known in the SEC as he did while at Jefferson.
The Dragon faithful have been awaiting the arrival of 6-3 WR Aaron Jenkins. Arrival as in, his breakout season. The year when he uses all his talents to standout amongst the elite receivers in Tampa Bay.
Inconsistent play and non related football issues have prolonged Aaron’s success and on field production. He has been suspended and removed from the team on more than one occasion and admits that enough is enough.
He has dedicated himself to being a better person and teammate and vows that those ugly days are behind him. “This summer I’ve started to become a leader. Keep my self on track as well as my team. Focus on the main goal on the field as playoff contenders and state championship contenders. So, I have been praying a lot and listening to my elders. They are trying to keep me on the right track because they know I have potential to be something great.”
Aaron’s older brother, Adrian Jenkins is in his first semester as a college student athlete at Florida International University. He has been an influence on Aaron even before their days playing together at Jefferson. Over and over, Adrian’s tells his brother how the college life is. “He talks to me about how it is in college. The coaches are worse in college. They are going to yell at you and you can’t talk back. Academics, they are not going to keep badgering you about ‘Get your grades, get your grades, get your grades.’ You are just going to be dismissed from the team.” Just what Jenkins needs to hear in hopes that he will understand the point sooner than later.
Aaron also says that he needs to be stronger mentally. Have more mental toughness, because, at times he, along with others will be down, but he can’t act out. In Aaron’s case, he has what college coaches are looking for: Big frame and hands, runs good routes, room to improve and can play inside or outside.
Time is running out for a player who has been on everybody’s radar since his sophomore season. “I’ve worked on strength and speed, so I’m going to be working slot and the outside, doing what I can to help my team.” The rising senior has goals that he wants to achieve and has moved forward and left the immaturity and nonsense behind.
“Looking forward to a breakout season. Just do my best with the ability god gave me.” – Aaron Jenkins