
John Jenkins signs his letter-of-intent to attend Georgia as his mother Maryanne Baker looks on. (Photo by Scout.com)
John Jenkins has heard the rumors and, quite frankly, he’s not too happy about them.
The big nose guard from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, who was one of the most heralded members of Georgia’s 2011 signing class, is presently back home in Meriden, Conn., getting ready to join the Bulldogs this summer. But even up there in what he describes as a very intensely focused environment, he has been hearing the scuttlebutt that an apparent academic snafu had jeopardized his eligibility at UGA.
“Yeah, I don’t know exactly where that came from,” Jenkins said Tuesday. “Everything is good. Everything is straight. I’ll be there in June. All it is is rumors. I don’t know where it starts. Regardless, I’m going to be playing against Boise State and that’s all I’m thinking about right now.”
Jenkins, a 6-foot-4, 360-pound JUCO All-American, is expected to be a big difference maker for the Bulldogs. Along with redshirt sophomore Kwame Geathers, he’s expected to give them the push in the middle of defensive coordinator Todd Grantham’s 3-4 defense they were previously lacking.
Jenkins said he knows he’s being counted on and he is preparing accordingly.
“I’m on Coach T’s [Joe Tereshinski] workout plan, but I’m going beyond that,” he said. “I’m working out three times a day. I’m lifting weights and doing a lot of running and conditioning. I want to be in good shape when I get there. Everybody just needs to chill.”
Just to double-check, I talked to Jenkins’ coach at MGCCC.
“You can go ahead and squash all that,” coach Steve Campbell said. “Of course, each kid has to go through an admissions committee and all that’s going on about right now. But he graduated from here and Big John’s going to be fine. We haven’t had anybody not make it yet.”
Meanwhile, Jenkins said he finds all the rumor and innuendo annoying.
“I get people asking me about this and asking me about that and it’s like people are just predetermining things,” he said. “I’d just say if you don’t see me at Georgia, then you can start worrying. But I’m going to be down there June 3 with my teammates getting ready for Boise State and South Carolina and everybody else.”
256 comments Add your comment
tide roll
May 17th, 2011
1:00 pm
Your offensive line recruiting is still terrible however.
YoungDawg
May 17th, 2011
1:07 pm
RabidDawgFan, I like that idea. Here’s another one how about Jenkings lined up one of the center’s shoulders & Geathers on the other then stack Alec Ogletree right behind the DT’s. The OLB’s would be standing up on the edges then based on the situation we’ll have 1 or 2 other ILB’s. This is similar to a package the Packers run but just with the DT’s shaded on both sides of the center instead on over the guards. So now you’ve got the middle clogged which will allow Tree plus Robinson & Samuel able to roam free. Add in a few stunts\blitzes by the LB’s, all of this will have the QB so confused. The logical counter to this will be runs to the outside, screens along with short & quick passes all of which we have the speed to contain.
Fisher
May 17th, 2011
1:08 pm
Western Carolina 84, TECH 6 (missed the extra point kick)
Rabid Dawg 84
May 17th, 2011
1:08 pm
Don’t let stupid rumors get to you. Put on the G and DOMINATE! If our offense can get 2 TDs vs SC, we could have a fun year.
Chicago Dawg
May 17th, 2011
1:16 pm
Yah hear that all you Bama, Tech and Florida lovers? The big man says “Everybody just needs to chill”. Ya’ll need to remember his name…”Big John” Jenkins…. cause they’ll be calling it alot after he sacks your QB two-three times a game….after that you can just call him “SIR”.
Not since 1980
May 17th, 2011
1:16 pm
“Absolutely not. We hope he plays within the rules.
Dawg fans are such crybabies. Crying about a guy who buried their man-child QB.
ryan
May 17th, 2011
1:17 pm
Why are Ohio State fans coming on a UGA blog when they have there own problems with the NCAA and the tattoo parlor .
Real Dawg Fan
May 17th, 2011
1:17 pm
head caleb and harmons academics was just a rumor too…prob by tide roll and the rest of his friends
ryan
May 17th, 2011
1:19 pm
Hey Chip what are you hearing about Denzeil Nkemdiche dawgs could add this late 2011 commit next Monday will choose between Ole Miss and UGA do have any info he is the brother of Robert .
Not since 1980
May 17th, 2011
1:20 pm
The biggest problem facing UGA football is having enough money for bail.
ryan
May 17th, 2011
1:22 pm
Enough with arrest crap a lot teams have had players arrested this past year .
Not since 1980
May 17th, 2011
1:25 pm
“Enough with arrest crap a lot teams have had players arrested this past year .”
Yep, but UGA is the reigning Fulmer Cup champs.
kb
May 17th, 2011
1:28 pm
boise 48-13 ring any bells, play in a real conference and then talk.
Joey
May 17th, 2011
1:32 pm
Whew!
RabidDawgFan
May 17th, 2011
1:33 pm
John Jenkins won’t be blocked by one man. I don’t care how strong the center is. He’s motivated to do well because he knows how much Georgia needs him to do well. Kwame has already shown that he won’t be blocked because Ben Jones could barely block him and he’s an All-SEC center in my book. Now guys, we can’t forget that Jenkins is a big man, and he’s going to need breaks. He’s not an every-down NG. 360 pounds just won’t hold up for 4 15-minute quarters. But that’s why we have Kwame.
Also, I want people to realize that just because we run a 3-4 doesn’t mean we always have to be in the 3-4. That’s our BASE package. A lot of times last season, I saw us line up in a 4-3. You can mix it up in order to confuse the QB and the offensive line. You have a OLB standing up like he’s going to rush, but he drops back and there’s another linebacker coming for the QB. It’s all about confusion. I think we’ll confuse plenty of people this season.
ryan
May 17th, 2011
1:34 pm
Dude UGA has not had any players arrested this year get facts strait if anything Auburn has more players arrested .
tide roll
May 17th, 2011
1:34 pm
Ryan, Have you seen tape on Nkemdiche? Incredible. Could be a great running back as well. Kirby and Nick need to get this kid to wait. Mickey Conn, a former Tide player, and his high school coach, needs to advise him to wait as well. That way, he’ll end up with a winner. Roll Tide, We own this state. To all you dawg fans: Yeah right, BRANDON GREENE, 6′6″ 310 lb. offensive tackle out of Atlanta, and committed to the Tide, is a 3-star. That’s why he was named to the Under Armour All-American team. He’s better than your wonder boy Theus right now, and your coaches know it. They’re just not going after him and we all know the reason why, don’t we UGA fans.
Chicago Dawg
May 17th, 2011
1:38 pm
tide roll, I have to agree with ADMan. You are definitely an idiot. When are you going to ask Brandon Greene out on a date? Your posts sound like something a child would say. Look it up Theus was named to the Under Armour All American team months ago. What a inmature child you are.
ryan
May 17th, 2011
1:43 pm
If the dawgs get Denziel Nkemdiche next that would be smart move tide roll if the dawgs get Theus most likely we will i think will add another linemen to Joe Harris or Vadal Alexander we visited a lot already add Theus and ether one those other guys that would be O line buddy .
dawgster
May 17th, 2011
1:48 pm
There’s no silence on King! there is nothing to report – he passed his classes. Do the coaches have to read a list of all the players who passed their classes just because a rumor got started?
lsmidnite
May 17th, 2011
1:48 pm
I’m confused as to why non UGA fans come on a UGA blog and talk trash, don’t you have your own blogs to sound dumb in?
oledawg
May 17th, 2011
1:49 pm
Chip- Thanks for updating us. Some of you seem troubled by anonymous idiots sittin in the brush lobbing insults. Ignore them. That’s a greater and more effective weapon than worrying about what they say.
What I got most from this article was that Big John isn’t waiting to appear later and ask what is going on. He is working out beyond the requirements put forth by our training staff, but what is more interesting is his Bulldog Spirit pulling at the traces to go after our first opponent. That attitude is worth more to fans than anything. If that persists throughout the summer and the game I feel more and more that we can beat the more highly rated Broncs. Most importantly, that attitude could wash over into the SC game. That game is more important than the Broncs’s game.
Chip, you promised earlier to pursue info on this guy and we appreciate the effort. Seems like no one else had the info nor the closeness to Big John. Are you going to hold sway all summer for us with this guy? Hope so.
intheknow
May 17th, 2011
1:50 pm
Tide Roll I happen to know that Brandon Greene barely graduated from high school. He couldn’t make the minimum admission requirements for athletes to get into Georgia thats why he went to Alabama, who seem to take anyone that breaths regardless how dumb they are.
Not since 1980
May 17th, 2011
1:50 pm
“Dude UGA has not had any players arrested this year get facts strait if anything Auburn has more players arrested .”
Auburn kicked everyone of those players off the team. UGA, not so much.
“Everybody just needs to chill.” | Get The Picture
May 17th, 2011
1:50 pm
[...] player is academically qualified, but I think I’ve discovered another one – if Big John Jenkins told me to mind my own business, I believe I [...]
Not since 1980
May 17th, 2011
1:50 pm
tide roll
28-27
Dawg Fan in Grayson
May 17th, 2011
1:51 pm
Hey, Buckeye..how is the tatoo business?
ryan
May 17th, 2011
1:56 pm
Thanks dawgster that is more good that Caleb King is ready to go who ever started those rumors obviously had no life Crowell is a go Jenkins and King are good to go this fall can’t wait go dawgs .
DawginLex
May 17th, 2011
1:59 pm
Auburn players commit felonies.
UGA players ride mopeds w/o a license.
Not since 1980 thinks they are equal.
Can’t touch that Auburn edumacation can you?
ryan
May 17th, 2011
2:00 pm
Not since 1980 we have kicked are players off to most recently Ealey man you need to get a life is that only reason you came on here .
Not since 1980
May 17th, 2011
2:01 pm
“Auburn players commit felonies.”
UGA athletic directors sleep with underage females and drive drunk.
“Can’t touch that Auburn edumacation can you?”
What’s really funny is the fact that you didn’t go to college.
Not since 1980
May 17th, 2011
2:01 pm
“we have kicked are players off to most recently Ealey man you need to get a life is that only reason you came on here .”
You need to take a remedial English class.
DawginLex
May 17th, 2011
2:02 pm
http://www.everydayshouldbesaturday.com/2011/3/22/2065685/fulmer-cupdate-the-big-board-gets-scenic
War Eagle!!!
DawginLex
May 17th, 2011
2:03 pm
What’s really funny is the fact that you didn’t go to college
***************************************************************
Dream on Nancy boy.
Not since 1980
May 17th, 2011
2:03 pm
GO DAWGS SIC EM!!!!!
THE FULMER CUP SEASON CLOSES, AND GEORGIA IS YOUR CHAMPION
http://www.everydayshouldbesaturday.com/2010/9/1/1663448/the-fulmer-cup-season-closes-and
Douche Bag Trolls!
May 17th, 2011
2:04 pm
Big John J we welcome you and your skill set. Welcome to the best University in the Country, UGA!
Not since 1980
May 17th, 2011
2:06 pm
“Dream on Nancy boy.”
Nothing like a dawg fan, not grad, diverting attention from his own ills.
Not since 1980
May 17th, 2011
2:06 pm
“Welcome to the best University in the Country, UGA!”
I love delusional dawg fans.
ATL Sports Fan
May 17th, 2011
2:07 pm
Didn’t know being 23 years old is underage……
404
May 17th, 2011
2:08 pm
So far it looks like Jenkins will make it, like I had suggested he would.
Still no word on Crowell, King, and others.
DawginLex
May 17th, 2011
2:08 pm
I’m going to take my own advice.
Never fight with a pig. You might win but in the end you smell like they do. They’re used to it, you’re not.
Douche Bag Trolls!
May 17th, 2011
2:09 pm
None since: you have DAWGS envy. Sorry to hear that you are so lonely that you spend your spare time blogging on the DAWGS. You really like them behind closed doors. Closet DAWGS fan just like the others on this board. If you really did not care you would not be here.
You got UGA on the brain!
Stinger2
May 17th, 2011
2:09 pm
Dawg fans are the best. Love to read all the hype you give your recruits. Anything new from Crowell? Last I heard he said he plans to gain 1000 yds. and be an All American as a freshman.
Not since 1980
May 17th, 2011
2:09 pm
“Never fight with a pig. You might win but in the end you smell like they do. They’re used to it, you’re not.”
I’m so glad you don’t fight with the livestock in your trailer, Lex.
Not since 1980
May 17th, 2011
2:12 pm
“you have DAWGS envy.”
I don’t envy Fulmer Cup champs and teams that go 6-7.
Clarke County Sheriff
May 17th, 2011
2:12 pm
JJ…I’ll be seein’ ya soon, kid!
Sweet Lord People!
May 17th, 2011
2:16 pm
Not since 1980 is the same clown that gets everyone stirred up every single day under different names.
It would be great if someone at the AJC would wise up and block his IP address.
Douche Bag Trolls!
May 17th, 2011
2:16 pm
NON since: Sure you don’t? That’s is why you spend your time on this blog with different handles.
YOU MY FRIEND ARE THE EXACT DEFINITION OF A “DOUCHE BAG TROLL”
BYRDDAWG
May 17th, 2011
2:19 pm
not since , we’re 4-1 in the last 5 games against the war eagles, tigers , plainsmen or whatever sybil’s calling itself these days!!!!! Fulmer cup??? Maybe your boy scam newton gets you the DEATH PENALTY CUP!!!!! LOSER
Not since 1980
May 17th, 2011
2:26 pm
“It would be great if someone at the AJC would wise up and block his IP address.”
Such a fascist you are.