Jordan Jenkins to Georgia: 4 Predictions for His Freshman Season

Georgia may still be stinging from that tough tripe-overtime loss to Michigan State in the Outback bowl, but at least Bulldogs fans can take some solace in the fact that their team just picked up a commitment from one of the premier defensive recruits in the country—highly-touted defensive end Jordan Jenkins. 

Jenkins, who played for Harris County High School in Hamilton, Ga., about three hours away from the Georgia campus, is one of the top defensive line prospects of the 2012 class, and if he ends up signing with Georgia on National Signing Day, he'll be one of the true gems of the Bulldogs' class. 

The four-star recruit definitely has the chance to make an impact early on in his collegiate career, and here's a look at a few predictions for his freshman season. 

He’ll Make the Switch to Outside Linebacker

Jordan Jenkins primarily played defensive end during his days at Hamilton County High School, but he's got the perfect body type to make the switch to outside linebacker in Georgia's 3-4 defensive system. 

Jenkins has shown a knack for finding his way into the opponents' backfield and getting pressure on quarterbacks, and he has all the traits you look for in a potential playmaking 3-4 rush linebacker. 

He Won’t Beat out Jarvis Jones or Cornelius Washington

The problem for Jenkins is that Georgia already has two established outside linebackers in Jarvis Jones and Cornelius Washington, who will be two of the top defensive players in the SEC in 2012. 

That means Jenkins will probably see limited snaps in his first season, but if he has a good showing in fall camp, keeps developing and maturing and proves to the coaches he can hold his own, he should be able to find his way onto the field, even in a limited role. 

The type of speed, power and quickness that Jenkins possesses will definitely be a valuable addition to the Georgia defense, even if he takes some time to work himself into the lineup.

He’ll Add 10 Pounds by the Time the Season Starts

Jordan Jenkins has been listed at 6'3'', 245 pounds, but judging from the pictures and highlights I've seen of him, he may have had a few rocks in his socks when he stepped on the scale for that weigh-in. 

Jenkins has all the tools to be successful at the collegiate level, but like all freshmen, he's got to get into the weight room.

If he can find a way to bulk up, add a few more pounds and a little bit more muscle to his frame without losing his quickness off the edge, Jenkins has the chance to develop into a truly dynamic force coming off the edge.

He’ll Show Some Glimpses of Star Potential

Georgia seems to be on a nice little run of developing standout outside linebackers. 

First it was Rennie Curran, then Justin Houston and now it’s Jarvis Jones.

The question is, will Jordan Jenkins be the next great one?

I think we’ll see some glimpses and a few flashes of star potential from Jenkins in 2012, but because he’s got Cornelius Washington and Jarvis Jones in front of him, he probably won’t see the snaps needed to really make a name for himself in his first year.

Still, I think a reasonable goal for Jenkins for his freshman season would be something along the lines of two sacks and three tackles for loss, and as long as he shows you those encouraging signs for the future, the season will be a success for him.