Jelani Jenkins: Video Highlights for Former Florida OLB

After three productive seasons at the University of Florida, linebacker Jelani Jenkins decided to forgo his senior year and enter the 2013 NFL draft.

He was productive in his three seasons, as evidenced by the statistics below.

Year	Tackles	Tackles For Loss	Sacks	Interceptions
Fr.	76	4.5	2	1
So.	75	6	2	1
Jr.	29	5	2	1

The dip in his production his junior season was due to missing six games. 

Jenkins is an athletic player who shows tremendous range and strong tackling ability. He is able to both plug up running gaps and drop into coverage.

In the NFL, Jenkins will likely fit into a 4-3 similar to the one he ran at Florida.

Lateral Chase-Down Tackle Against UL-Lafayette

On this play, Jenkins is lined up as the weak-side linebacker on the right side of the Florida defense.

Lafayette runs a stretch run to the opposite side of the field.

Jenkins immediately starts his angle to cut off the running back. Early in the play, Lafayette shoots a guard vertically to block Jenkins, but Jenkins is able to quickly shed him.

The angle Jenkins takes on the play is perfect. By time he reaches the runner, he is at full speed and is able to deliver a ferocious, shoulder-led tackle that brings the play to a halt. 

QB Hurry Against Florida State

On this play, Jenkins flaunts his value and ability to blitz from his linebacker position.

Fellow class of 2013 NFL draft prospect EJ Manuel drops back to pass as Jenkins comes on a delay blitz up the middle.

Jenkins sees that the best lane to the quarterback is slightly to the left, so he loops that direction and accelerates up field.

In a blink, he reaches Manuel, who is forced to throw the ball away to avoid the sack.

Jenkins' pressure came so suddenly that Manuel was unable to locate a receiver to throw to and was penalized for intentional grounding.

Jenkins didn't get credited for a sack, but with the penalty, the damage inflicted was equivalent to a sack.  

Tackle for a Loss Against Florida State

Jenkins once again gets the better of EJ Manuel on this play.

Florida State calls a quarterback power sweep to the open side of the field.

Jenkins, who is lined up on the open side of the field, reads the sweep perfectly and takes the appropriate angle, employing his speed and range to corral Manuel for the huge loss.

Manuel was able to evade the first Gator defender he encountered and, had it not been for Jenkins, he would have been able to reach the edge and turn upfield.

Jenkins' excellent ability to find the best angle and to make open-field tackles will translate well in the faster NFL. 

Interception Return Against Furman

Jenkins shows off a lot of natural talent in this highlight.

With Furman driving late in the fourth quarter, Jenkins drops in zone coverage to defend the pass.

The Furman quarterback floats a high pass, and Jenkins is right there waiting to catch the interception.

After securing the pick, Jenkins shows off his speed and takes it 75 yards for the Florida Gator touchdown.

Tight Coverage and Bone-Crushing Hit on FAU Receiver

On this play, FAU runs a flood right pass play.

Jenkins' assignment on the play is man-to-man coverage with the running back who swings into the flat. The FAU quarterback attempts to thread the ball to the back, despite Jenkins covering him tightly.

The throw is behind the receiver, which forces him to jump backward and attempt to catch it. To the great chagrin of the receiver, Jenkins delivers a monstrous hit that jars the ball loose for an incomplete pass.

This is another example of Jenkins' great range and ability in pass coverage. 

Game-Winning Touchdown vs. UL-Lafayette

This highlight will bring tears of joy to any Gator fan.

Jelani Jenkins made one of 2012's most dramatic plays.

Locked up in a 20-20 tie with 13 seconds left in the game, Lafayette was forced to punt the ball away. Florida ran a punt block and was able to deflect the ball high into the air. 

Jenkins, who began the play in the middle of the line, doesn't rush the punt, but the moment he sees the floating football, he is able to track its landing, secure the catch and turn upfield to pay dirt, saving the Gators from an embarrassing home loss.