Whether he lines up as a wide receiver or tight end in South Carolina this fall, EJ Jenkins it will be bigger than anyone that covers it, unless a SEC school tries to cover it like an FCS program did before. At 1.80 m tall and 242 pounds, it takes a defensive striker to match the size of Jenkins.
“I’m definitely used to doubling up teams,” Jenkins laughed. “I remember a game at Saint Francis against Central Connecticut, they put a defensive tackle to put pressure on (me) in the red zone. It was the first time that I saw something like this. I was on a triple team in that game. I saw everything.”
Jenkins is being transferred to the Gamecocks offensive at spring camp as a first-year offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield find the best place where it can be used.
Some of his new teammates on the offensive line may match his height, but growing up in Virginia and playing college at a smaller school in Pennsylvania, Jenkins has always been the tallest player on the football field. Now he has the weight to agree.
“The first year of high school was 6-2,” said Jenkins. “I was always a tall guy growing up, but I wasn’t always that big. In my first year, I had 150 (pounds). It was a long journey developing my body. “
Regardless of the position he is listed as on the list or where he lines up on Saturdays in a Gamecocks uniform, Jenkins and his new teammates know what kind of weapon he can and the type of challenge he will pose to his opponent, even at the SEC.
“Playing tight end or receiver is a matchup nightmare,” said Jenkins. “I am learning both positions. Playing tight end is new to me, especially different techniques and blocking schemes, but it’s really going well and I’m just being a game manager and I can’t wait to learn more.
“As the attack is, the guards will catch the ball. Even when there is nothing there, we can profit from it. Being versatile is going to be very important this season. “
Below are some reactions from offensive Gamecock players about Jenkins’ size and ability. If you are accessing this Plan Proving Grounds message board story, click on the link below to read the full article.