Kris Jenkins Emerges as a Defensive Force for Michigan in 2023
The Michigan Wolverines’ defensive line was a dominant force in college football last season, and one player who stood out among the rest was Kris Jenkins. Coming into the 2023 season, Jenkins is ready to take the spotlight and prove himself as one of the best in the country.
Jenkins has football in his blood, with his father being a former All-Pro defensive tackle. Despite not receiving much attention coming out of high school, Jenkins has defied expectations and developed into the player he is today.
Initially recruited as a defensive end, Jenkins’ position changed when the team underwent a coaching transition. In 2021, he found himself at the end of the defensive line rotation, but still managed to make an impact, appearing in all 14 games and starting four of them.
With Jesse Minter taking over as the defensive coordinator in 2022, Jenkins’ importance to the team became evident. He made tremendous strides in the weight room, adding 45 pounds to his frame and transitioning successfully to the interior defensive line.
In his first full season as a starter, Jenkins recorded 54 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks. His impressive performance earned him an All-Big Ten honorable mention and recognition as the Defensive Player of the Week on multiple occasions.
While there was speculation that he could enter the NFL draft, Jenkins decided to return for another season with the Wolverines, aiming for a shot at winning a National Championship. His teammates and coaches have been full of praise for him, recognizing his dedication and talent.
Braiden McGregor described Jenkins as a monster, while head coach Jim Harbaugh acknowledged him as a potentially elite player on the defense. Jaylen Harrell commended Jenkins’ power and explosiveness, highlighting his continuous improvement on the field.
The spotlight is now firmly on Jenkins as he enters his redshirt junior year. With the departure of Mazi Smith to the NFL, Jenkins will be expected to fill the void and live up to the lofty expectations set for him.
Experts have already recognized Jenkins’ potential, with ESPN even mock-drafting him as a first-round pick in their 2024 NFL Mock Draft. The Wolverines’ defensive line shouldn’t miss a beat with Jenkins leading the way.
As Michigan aims for a third consecutive Big Ten championship, Jenkins is poised to be a standout player on the team. His impact on the defensive line and his leadership in the locker room will be crucial in their pursuit of success.
With his natural talent and dedication to improvement, Jenkins has all the makings of a star player. He has the opportunity to emerge as one of the top defensive linemen in college football, elevating the Wolverines’ defense to new heights.
Michigan fans and football enthusiasts alike will be eagerly watching Jenkins’ performance this season. Will he follow in his father’s footsteps and become an NFL star? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Jenkins is ready to make his mark in the spotlight in 2023.
Now it’s up to him to deliver on the immense potential and expectations placed upon him. With the support of his teammates and coaches, Kris Jenkins is set to leave a lasting legacy on the Michigan football program.
