Some Miami fans were concerned about the recruiting at the defensive tackle position prior to this class, but their worries have been eased due to the current commitments. New Jersey product Courtel Jenkins is one of the commits ‘Canes fans are excited about.
“The season’s going pretty good. We just had a tough loss, but we’ll rebound off of it this week. For me, it’s about staying healthy right now. I’ve only played ne game because of a knee sprain, but I’m good right now. I played last week,” said Jenkins.
Jenkins considered himself a complete defensive tackle before this season, but what has he improved upon since last year?
“Just being more versatile and running sideline-to-sideline. I already have a good pass rush and bull rush and I can stop the run, so basically just running sideline-to-sideline and keeping my wind up.”
The ‘Canes commit has been paying close attention to his future team this season.
“I think Miami is doing great right now. They have a lot of wins early on, especially the win against Florida and they have a big game coming up against USF so hopefully they can carry it on throughout the season.”
Miami’s defense was considered a weakness heading into the season, but as of now that is not the case.
“The defense is playing good. They have the number seven total defense and they’re stopping the run and defending the pass, which is how they won the Florida game by rushing the quarterback and forcing bad throws. They’re just producing.”
Defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio and defensive line coach Jethro Franklin have a vision for how they will use Jenkins.
“When I get down there, they expect me to jump right in and get on the 1-technique and beat the center a little bit to stop the run and carve up some holes.”
Jenkins has devoted to make sure he’s in the best shape he can possibly be in, which has yielded positive results.
“I’m weighing 300-pounds right now because I lost weight. From my transfer (in March) to now, I’ve lost 30 pounds. Before I transferred, my goal was to get down to 285-290, but when I committed to Miami they didn’t want me to lose too much weight. My coach in high school wanted me around 290 too, but I can make both sides happy at 300. I’ll put on some weight in muscle in the offseason and get up to like 310 and get here nice and healthy.”
**Jenkins says that Pittsburgh, Michigan State, and Florida are still recruiting him.
“The season’s going pretty good. We just had a tough loss, but we’ll rebound off of it this week. For me, it’s about staying healthy right now. I’ve only played ne game because of a knee sprain, but I’m good right now. I played last week,” said Jenkins.
Jenkins considered himself a complete defensive tackle before this season, but what has he improved upon since last year?
“Just being more versatile and running sideline-to-sideline. I already have a good pass rush and bull rush and I can stop the run, so basically just running sideline-to-sideline and keeping my wind up.”
The ‘Canes commit has been paying close attention to his future team this season.
“I think Miami is doing great right now. They have a lot of wins early on, especially the win against Florida and they have a big game coming up against USF so hopefully they can carry it on throughout the season.”
Miami’s defense was considered a weakness heading into the season, but as of now that is not the case.
“The defense is playing good. They have the number seven total defense and they’re stopping the run and defending the pass, which is how they won the Florida game by rushing the quarterback and forcing bad throws. They’re just producing.”
Defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio and defensive line coach Jethro Franklin have a vision for how they will use Jenkins.
“When I get down there, they expect me to jump right in and get on the 1-technique and beat the center a little bit to stop the run and carve up some holes.”
Jenkins has devoted to make sure he’s in the best shape he can possibly be in, which has yielded positive results.
“I’m weighing 300-pounds right now because I lost weight. From my transfer (in March) to now, I’ve lost 30 pounds. Before I transferred, my goal was to get down to 285-290, but when I committed to Miami they didn’t want me to lose too much weight. My coach in high school wanted me around 290 too, but I can make both sides happy at 300. I’ll put on some weight in muscle in the offseason and get up to like 310 and get here nice and healthy.”
**Jenkins says that Pittsburgh, Michigan State, and Florida are still recruiting him.
