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UGA freshman Jordan Jenkins says he’s ready if Jarvis Jones can’t go

8:11 pm October 17, 2012, by Chip Towers

Freshman outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins recovers a fumble against Missouri in his second game with the Bulldogs. (UGA photo by Rob Saye)

Freshman outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins recovers a fumble against Missouri in his second game with the Bulldogs. (UGA photo by Rob Saye)

ATHENS – Jordan Jenkins says he hopes his friend and position-mate Jarvis Jones will be able to play against Kentucky this Saturday. But his comments belie him.

Jones, Georgia’s All-American outside linebacker, did not practice again on Wednesday. He has now missed every workout since he suffered a right ankle injury in the Bulldogs’ loss to South Carolina Oct. 6. And because of the off week, the Wednesday practice represented what would normally be the Thursday walk-through on a game week.

In other words, it doesn’t look like Jones is in position to start, much less play, against the Wildcats. And Jenkins, his backup at the weakside outside linebacker position, doesn’t seem too bummed about it.

“I’ve been thinking on it,” Jenkins said following Wednesday’s practice. “If (Jones) doesn’t play or plays hurt a little — I don’t know which it’s going to be — I’m going to try to hurry up and get some sacks. I want to get up to his level or get past him before he gets back.”

Jenkins, a true freshman from Harris County, trails Jones 5.5 to 3.0 in the quarterback sacks department. As it turns out, the two have a very competitive relationship, in a friendly kind of way.

“I never get no congratulatory stuff from Jarvis,” said Jenkins, a 5-star signee out of Harris County High School. “And I always do everything for him. When we get to the hotels – we room together – the AC will be right by him. I’ll say, ‘how ‘bout turning the air down.’ He’s says, ‘you got legs; go ahead and get up freshman.’ Somebody will knock at the door for roll call, I’ve got to get up from the far side of the room and go open the door.

“But I love him. It’s brotherly love. I’ll take a little bit of it.”

Obviously, Georgia would be better off playing Jones, who led the SEC in sacks and tackles for loss a year ago and earned national player of the week honors earlier this season. But in addition to the ankle injury, the 6-foot-3, 241-pound junior has been playing with a strained groin and sprained left knee most of the season.

As a result, Jenkins has played more snaps than most anticipated coming into the season. He already started in Jones’ place against Florida Atlantic in the third game this season. Jenkins has collected 15 tackles, five tackles for loss, eight quarterback pressures, a pass break-up and a fumble recovery in his limited playing time.

“I like him,” Richt said. “He’s very disciplined in what he does. He’s one of those kids who, when you teach him something, he tries to do it just the way you tell him to do it. He creates good habits on a daily basis. He’s gotten a ton of reps as a freshman and he’s taken full advantage of them. He has a lot of the physical attributes you’d like to have in a great rush guy. I think he can play it very well.”

Richt said Jenkins reminds him of Jamal Reynolds, an Augusta native who earned All-America honors while playing defensive end at Florida State from 1997-2000. Reynolds was the No. 10 overall pick by the Green Bay Packers in the NFL draft

“Kind of the same body type, real athletic, fast, smart kid,” Richt said. “But I don’t know if Jamal showed up as big and physical as Jordan is right now.”

For the record, the coaching staff is being very evasive about Jones’ availability on Saturday.

“There will be an injury report that will come out in just a minute,” coach Mark Richt said. . . . “I’m sure you would understand I don’t really want the whole world to know what’s going on because somebody has to play us and decide whether they’re planning for him or not planning for him. So that’s why I’m not going to say anything.”

Jenkins was less ambiguous about it. “I’m starting to get the feeling, not seeing him come back today. I started thinking, ‘OK, OK, I might be starting Saturday. I need to get my stuff ready and let Coach Grantham know I my playbook and I’m not going to mess up on anything.’ I did pretty good today.”

Whatever happens with Jones on Saturday, it’s clear that Jenkins will play a major role. And he claims he’ll be ready for it.

“I think having that start against Florida Atlantic definitely helped me,” Jenkins said. “I’ll know what to expect; I won’t be nervous; I won’t be caught up in the lights. I felt like the last game I started I did all right but I didn’t do anything exceptionally well. I want to perform better than that. I’m going to try to come out from the get-go full-speed and be ready to get some things going.”

And in all seriousness, Jenkins said Jones has been his biggest advocate, as well as his biggest critic. Jones has tried to teach Jenkins everything he knows about playing outside linebacker.

“This whole past week, me and Jarvis have really been working on my pass rush,” Jenkins said. “When we’ve been doing one-on-one,  he’s been working with me on my moves. I’ve got four or five down and I’ve got one Jarvis says I can do better than him. . . . He’s always helping me out and fine-tuning my pass rush. . . . I love the experience of having him here to help me out.”

Etc.

Then Bulldogs practiced for 90 minutes in a non-contact workout Wednesday as they made final preparations for Kentucky. It was their sixth practice for Saturday’s game due to the off week. They’ll have a similar practice on Thursday. “We had very few missed assignments with the number one unit, a few with the number twos, and we’ll do it again tomorrow,” Richt said. “We’re working on getting ready to play fast.” . . . The Bulldogs are being tight-lipped about “a surprise guest” who is scheduled to be on hand for the “Tailgate with the Team” special event that is being planned for Thursday night at UGA’s Legion Field. The pep-rally-style event will feature Richt and the entire team. … Tailback Ken Malcome and fullback Dustin Royston returned to practice Wednesday after missing Tuesday with an undisclosed illness. Defensive end Dexter Morant remained sidelined with the same malady.

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168 comments Add your comment

UGA Insider

October 18th, 2012
11:05 am

Here we Go,

I am really worried about this game. All I keep hearing fans talk about is next weeks UF game.

BadBadDawg

October 18th, 2012
11:06 am

TampaDawg is exactly right. Express your opinion once or twice, then STFU and move the F on…….

A 6+ Star Recruit

October 18th, 2012
11:20 am

Yes, SC did a “job” on UGa ….and then LSU (minus 2 All Americans and 6 other starters) doubled SC stats and time of possession. The score did not reflect how lopsided that game really was…it was as lopsided as the SC-UGa game!!!! Then FL beat the snot out of LSU and will also massacre SC. So, if UGa upsets Florida and runs the table…..the GT fans posing as UGa fans along with SC fans will say UGa backed-into the SEC Championship game. Fact, total fact…..those are the type idiots who like to post on this site!!! By the way, speaking of idiots, where is “nothing could be finer”…. He’s been very quiet this week.

7576DAWG

October 18th, 2012
11:21 am

Jarvis is a great player but an outside Linebacker needs his feet and speed if he want to be an effective pass rusher. I would have sat him a few games ago so he would completely heal and I hope CMR keeps him out of the Kentucky game so he may be ready for Florida. Jordan Jenkins is a very good player and can hold his own. I would play him and Ray Drew against Kentucky. Drew needs to get some repetitions. I don’t know why he hasn’t become a force yet but I hope the coaches figure it out.
I don’t think Georgia will have any problems with Kentucky this week. Richt said that the first unit has practiced so much in the past two weeks they are not missing anything. I expect Gurley and Marshal to gain over 200 yards and Murray will pass for over 300 yards. I hope our defense finally shows they can be dominate.

A 6+ Star Recruit

October 18th, 2012
11:29 am

@evil empire @10:06
Yes indeed and that also goes for GT and SC superstars. CPJ will be fired after this season and Spurrier will retire after losing 3 straight weeks!!!

A 6+ Star Recruit

October 18th, 2012
11:38 am

I Agree…..keep Jarvis out this week, and let him rest. Also, I think a team that matches up very well with SC is UT. UT played both UGA and Miss State great games and blasted FL for 3 quarters before giving up 2 quick scores in less than 40 seconds. The 3 reasons I think UT matches up well vs SC are: TN has a great OL which we learned is critical against SC, TN will protect their QB and he will have a field day with the best receivers in the SEC against the weak SC secondary, and finally, win or lose (vs FL)…SC will be very tired and unemotional after playing UGa, LSU and FL on consecutive weekends….this is perfect recipe for an upset in Columbia!!! What are your thoughts?

GTBob

October 18th, 2012
11:46 am

I would be shocked if UGA plays their starters any longer than the 1st quarter of this game. Its ok though, if for some reason Kentucky keeps it close then UGA fans will just call it a tough SEC road win and pretend that Kentucky is an up and coming powerhouse.

Joey

October 18th, 2012
11:49 am

Who is playing in Columbia, 6+Star?

Real Dawg Fans

October 18th, 2012
11:57 am

@Tampa Dawg

Well said brother: Its the same thing everyday, mad at this, fire him, and its the same 12 guys on here everyday. Vast Majority are happy with direction( not content), its ashame that the naysayers are the loudest and command the most attention.

7576DAWG

October 18th, 2012
11:57 am

For those Georgia Tech fans out there that are pretending to be Georgia fans so you can put Jarvis down and make it seem like a Georgia fan are putting Jarvis down all you are doing is making a complete fool out of yourself. If you are truly Georgia fans and put Jarvis down please find another team , we don’t want you.
Jarvis Jones is a great players who has a bright future in the NFL. I do admit that Grantham is doing him a disservice playing him if what is hurt affects his speed. I’m sure the way Grantham looks at it is most Linebackers in the NFL are playing with an injury of some kind, it comes with the territory. As Pro players they have learn to play effectively with those aches and pains which Jarvis is trying to do.
Clowney at South Carolina may miss the Florida game or be severely limited because he injured one of his feet which will limit his ability to keep pressure on the Florida Quarterback.
I can assure those who are putting Jarvis down don’t have a clue what effort it takes to play Outside Linebacker or Defensive End, they are not Georgia Fans or they are COMPLETE idiots.

A 6+ Star Recruit

October 18th, 2012
11:57 am

TN-SC in 9 days (I think unless I have the schedules confused). If I’m correct, SC could easily be “flat” for that game and primed for an upset.

Alabama Dog

October 18th, 2012
12:01 pm

The “burning question” in my opinion is this: will Murray finally wear his big boy jock, and finally play big the rest of the season? Every game from here on out is a big game!

GO DAWGS!!!!

A 6+ Star Recruit

October 18th, 2012
12:01 pm

GT Bob,
For some crazy reason KY gives UGa and Bama very tough games in Lexington. I think the visitors may not be taking them seriously and get into a dogfight for 3 and sometimes 4 quarters until they wake up!!!

Real Dawg Fans

October 18th, 2012
12:09 pm

Have you ever been there? its like Vandy, you feel like you are in church!
Then after 3 quarters you finally start to feel it.

Neutral

October 18th, 2012
12:14 pm

Tampa Dawg, 7576, Real Dawwg Fans and 6+ Star,
You guys are right on!!! I’m so sick of the IDIOT bloggers who think they accomplish something by constantly tearing down the players and coaches. The glass is ALWAYS half….make that 90% empty with those guys. I sure hope that players, recruits and others realize that these few bozos do not represent the vast majority of UGa fans who support their players and coaches day in and day out. Just go to a UGa game if you want to see the REAL fans. Also, you Techies……we know you guys are the majority of the negative bloggers, but we will not let you succeed in having CMR fired…..so you will continue to be losers (on the field and off) for many years to come!!!

kydawg

October 18th, 2012
12:39 pm

I see a lot of people saying “UGA should beat UK with the 3rd string”…that is true, but it never happens (except on 2004) This will unfortunately be a tough game that we barely win…AGAIN!!! I hope I’m wrong, but we have not shown up to play in any game this year except Vandy. On the road…UK Homecoming, night game…lots of obstacles!!! Someone needs to step up to motivate these young men (not convinced we have that in our arsenal)

phil

October 18th, 2012
1:14 pm

docdawg

October 18th, 2012
10:32 am

Phil – obvious you never played the game, you ever try to run with a pulled groin? doubt you`ve engaged in any activities that stress your groin at all- sprained joints, particularly ankles and knees can`t provide stability to get to full speed straight ahead, nor cut with any strength. Smart they`re finally resting Jarvis, he`s needed against fl, Phil go back to your vid game “workout”, grab a latte and read something positive for a change! Jenkins learning alot this season, will be a force in time
**********
It’s also obvious that you have manure for your brains if you believe every media report that comes out concerning an injury. Jones is no more injured than I am an oak tree. He and his fellow defenders decided back in the spring or late winter that they were plenty good enough, based on last year’s performance. So what did they apparently do? Lay around most of the time and get fat, out of shape and lazy.

The results on the field are what matter. Not the idle, moronic talk that comes from most of you homers that can’t seem to get it to register in your thick skulls that we stink. Remember the Buffalo game? EVERY SINGLE YEAR, these patsies that do more against us than they should are a warning about what’s to come.

Our spineless, pathetic team and coaches will lay down and die against even a hint of competition, as we just witnessed at the hands of Spurrier YET AGAIN.
Wait til Florida in 9 days. Check back with me after they run us out of Jacksonville to the tune of about 35-14…..

I’m ashamed to be a Dawg with idiots for fans like we have. Deluded, stupid, wishful doofs.

phil

October 18th, 2012
1:17 pm

According to my brain, most Dawgs fans are suffering from delusions of grandeur that apparently even the recent butt whuppin inflicted by SC cannot cure.

Same absurd expectations each year.

BadBadDawg

October 18th, 2012
1:22 pm

Hopefully, you will sit your fat ass at home then Phil if you dont like it.

phil

October 18th, 2012
1:24 pm

Unlike yours, BadBadDawg, mine isn’t fat….far from it as I run circles around the likes of you daily.

You like what our team is doing? It’s the folks like you that keep us on our losing path, with your acceptance of mediocrity and humiliating failure.

Royal Flush

October 18th, 2012
1:25 pm

@Phil

A big FU to ya pal.

I Love Russ

October 18th, 2012
1:27 pm

Couldn’t have said it better myself Royal Flush!

I Love Russ

October 18th, 2012
1:29 pm

Hey Phil,

News Flash Buddy. You aren’t a DAWG FAN. We kicked your ass to the curb a long time ago……

Gator Hater

October 18th, 2012
1:36 pm

Good one Russ!! 5 stars Baby!!

phil

October 18th, 2012
1:38 pm

You morons just keep on praising our mediocrity…..

Best way I know right now to keep us in our lowly state, year after year.

ValdostaDawg1

October 18th, 2012
1:39 pm

Someone needs to take out the trash, a.k.a. Phil. He’s stinking up the joint.

GO DAWGS

phil

October 18th, 2012
1:41 pm

ValdostaDawg1 must be a Lastinger or a Belue….winners both on the field but sadly, this one has accomplished very little and approves of 35-7 butt kickins from Spurrier….

Baxter Street Tailgater

October 18th, 2012
1:43 pm

Heck, I want to win all the time too. But to start calling Dawg Fans idiots that are stupid doofs just proves that some people have no class at all. I’ll be at all the remaining games, win or lose.

phil

October 18th, 2012
1:52 pm

Anyone who tailgates on Baxter Street fits the terms idiots and doofs perfectly!

Seriously, I’ll be there too but my being there doesn’t mean we still don’t stink out loud when the men come to play us.

You guys quit praising and supporting a pathetic product with your empty words and maybe we’ll get somewhere one day.

Fire CMR!!

Baxter Street Tailgater

October 18th, 2012
1:54 pm

Like I said, you have no class…………..

Gator Hater

October 18th, 2012
1:57 pm

Amen BaxterStreetTailgater. I 2nd your post.

phil

October 18th, 2012
2:01 pm

I have plenty of class, you juvenile tailgater you….

And Gator Hater? Save your money and stay home this year, unless you want to cry all over your drunk self after we get our butts kicked next week in jax….

Phil's Mama

October 18th, 2012
2:08 pm

I apologize for the way my son acts on this message board. He had a troubled childhood and was always in and out of trouble w/ the law. It’s probably because he had no daddy growing up. Maybe a good butt whipping now and them would have done him good. Lord knows, if I could set him straight I would have. Dont forget to take your meds today now Phillip. Ok?

Gator Hater

October 18th, 2012
2:16 pm

Thanks for your advice. but just like you, it stinks. I’ll take my chances in Jax next week.

Let’s get em Dawgs!

phil

October 18th, 2012
2:16 pm

My own maw has forgotten I spell my name with one L…..

Moron.

phil

October 18th, 2012
2:19 pm

I’ll be snickering at you, gator hater, from my couch once the score hits about 28-0 or so….

I won’t like it but at least I’ll be expecting it, based on actual results thus far, unlike folks like you who just blindly support our inferior product year after year.

Why don’t you guys just change your names to Blind Homer 1, 2 and so forth…..

Phil's Mama

October 18th, 2012
2:22 pm

Now now Phillip. Don’t you be disrespectful! You hear me?

phil

October 18th, 2012
2:23 pm

One L, maw……can’t you read? I swear you’re as dumb as ever.

Phil's Mama

October 18th, 2012
2:26 pm

I’m going to take your computer away if you don’t stop little man.

ValdostaDawg1

October 18th, 2012
2:27 pm

Looks like old Phil needs to get a job instead of playing around all day.

phil

October 18th, 2012
2:30 pm

Oh, I have a fine job, but thanks Valdostadoof1…..your concern is appreciated.

Now, get back to studying for that driver’s license exam….

Munsondawg

October 18th, 2012
2:32 pm

@gator hator.

What’s up buddy? Haven’t talked to you in awhile. I’ll be there too!! We got a place on the beach this year to kick back and relax. Long rest of season to go. Lots to play for still…!!! GATA

For now, Georgia’s Josh Harvey-Clemons making his mark on special teams | UGA sports blog

October 18th, 2012
2:46 pm

[...] Freshman Jordan Jenkins says he’s ready if Jarvis Jones can’t play [...]

phil

October 18th, 2012
2:49 pm

Munsondawg has his head in the sand too, I see!

Don

October 18th, 2012
3:00 pm

Yes, Phil is a little P _ _ _ K.
Nothing more than attention seeker.

Murray For Heisman

October 18th, 2012
3:04 pm

Anybody ever stop to think that Phil may be a special needs person?

Munsondawg

October 18th, 2012
3:11 pm

2013 SEC schedule being released. Just heard that GA plays Mizzou in Athens on 10/12/13

phil

October 18th, 2012
3:14 pm

Murray For Heisman

October 18th, 2012
3:04 pm

Anybody ever stop to think that Phil may be a special needs person?
************
Not hardly.

But let’s consider, just for a moment, the obvious issues that someone with a name like Murray for heisman clearly has. This is your name? Talk about delusional and misguided and wholly unable to comprehend the debacle that we just witnessed last week when Murray played about as badly as anyone could EVER play at the QB position. Murray made Joe Cox look like John Elway out there.

Murray for Heisman? LOL!!!!

Munsondawg

October 18th, 2012
3:18 pm

We got LSU @ home next year!!!!!! Cool!!!!

Ron

October 18th, 2012
3:35 pm

Yes, Phil is definitely a special needs person.

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