Interview: 4-Star 2021 Texas RB Jordan Jenkins Pound for Pound is Amazing
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There are so many talented high school football players across the country but there are few that have that extra something which sets them apart from their peer group. Class of 2021 Lindale High School running back Jordan Jenkins has that extra something and more. Jenkins ran over and past 5A Texas defenses in 2018 solidifying his spot as one of the best in the nation. All eyes are on him to see what he can do in 2019.
Pound for pound, yard for yard, there are few similar, if even close, to Jenkins. Jenkins is a throwback tailback who is a bulldozer out of the backfield with speed. The 6-2, 198-pound, talent ran rough for 1,504 yards off 273 totes with 17 scores going up on the board. He turned in a 1,988-yard all-purpose performance earning first team All-District honors at running back and second team as a kick returner.
That mix of 4.48 speed (Baylor camp), size, and sheer determination for that extra yard not only puts Jenkins among the elite as a four-star recruit but makes him a coveted talent among college football programs. So far, four schools recognizing his talents early have offered with more showing interest as Jenkins sets out for a 2,000-yard junior campaign.
In an RNG exclusive interview, Jenkins sat down for an in-depth conversation covering his abilities on the field with an update on his recruiting prospects.
Interview
Jordan, the Eagles kicked off 2019 with a big 45-10 win over Kaufman. How did it feel to be back on the field running over guys that are not your teammates?
“It felt great. We had scrimmages against other teams but my playing time was low to avoid injuries. To play that many plays against Kaufman, it felt great. We lost to them last year. It felt great for the team to get the win.”
What was clicking for the team overall for such a convincing win?
“It was us keeping level headed. Our coach has been talking to us about preparing for this year once last season ended. We’ve had our eyes on them since the season ended last year.”
How did the game go for you personally?
“I think it went really well. I got 98 yards rushing, some hard-earned yards, and two touchdowns.”
What did you work on over the offseason to prepare for the 2019 grind?
“We have phases. One phase is in the weight room to build body strength, then another phase is speed – that is when track season starts, then we go over other football stuff during the offseason.”
Let’s get into your style of play out of the backfield. I love it. You may not be as heavy as former Texas Longhorns’ running back Earl Campbell, but you take on hits and dole them out in a similar fashion. That is a mindset. What is your mindset when you get the handoff?
“My mindset is to go out balls to the walls. I am not worried about getting hurt. I go full speed taking hits and giving them out.”
Beyond the hits, you showed you were a workhorse back with 273 carries logged in 2018. If there is ever an ice shortage in the Lindale area I will know why. How do you take care of your body through the season so you can continue playing at a high level?
(Laughs) “Yeah, mostly ice baths. Our training staff takes care of me. After every practice, I am wrapping what I need to wrap and I do it before practice. They take good care of me.”
Your power is there as well. Did you max out this offseason?
“We are about to max again in two weeks, all of this will change. We did max out. My clean is what I am most proud of; I cleaned 300. That is the second best in our weight room. My squat was 365 and I got 250 on bench.”
During the 2018 season you had 484 all-purpose yards beyond rush yards picked up. What else are you doing on the field to contribute to the team this season?
“We are doing a lot of schemes with blocking, using me more with blocking. That has been really good for us. I am getting more passing plays this season. Before I was okay at catching, but I have been working on that this offseason. I am confident in my hands right now.”
What was the best 40-yard dash you’ve posted so far?
“At school, I ran a 4.45.”
I believe it. Did you show off the skills at any college camps this summer?
“Yes, sir. I went to TCU, Baylor, Arkansas (did not camp), Texas A&M, and UT (Texas).”
Which camp was your best?
“Baylor was my best camp. That is when I ran my best 40-yard dash at a camp, a 4.48.”
Wow. No denying your 40 speed now. Congrats.
“Thank you.”
How many offers have you picked up so far?
“I have four offers, Arkansas, Baylor, BYU, and Louisiana-Monroe.”
Which schools are showing interest?
“A&M, Texas, and Northwestern; that is all I can think of off the top of my head.”
Did you visit any campuses this offseason?
“Yes, sir. I went to Arkansas and Texas.”
Tell me about the Arkansas trip.
“It went great. That was my first visit, and definitely one of my favorites. They organized it really well. I saw the team practice. It was cool.”
And the Texas visit?
“It was awesome too. I didn’t see as much of the team as wanted. But I saw their facilities and met their staff; everything was great.”
Any trips coming up?
“I missed an Arkansas cookout; I was sad about missing that one. I will go to Arkansas again. I am going to A&M on the 27th. I will try to make other games this season if I can.”
What are you goals on and off the field for your junior year?
“My goals on the field are to break 2,000 rushing yards. I might not get it, but I still have that goal. I want to get better at blocking for my teammates. Last year my blocking was not as great. Sometimes the guy I was blocking got off the block to make the tackle. I want to keep a 4.0 GPA, stay humble, and keep my head low this season.”
Away from the game and working out, what do you like to do for fun?
“I usually play games PS4 with my teammates or I am hanging out with my teammates. (FS/WR) Airik Williams and I hang out all the time. If I am not doing that, I am reading, writing, or watching TV. I get together with my team and watch film.”
Jordan, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of the 2019 season.
“Thank you.”
*After donating to the site for all the great recruiting coverage, check out Jordan Jenkins’ sophomore highlight reel!
Photo credit: Jenkins family; Jordan Jenkins at Texas and at a camp