VentrellJenkins

A defensive tackle for most of his career, he got an extensive trial at defensive end in the spring … Looked good at the new position, showing excellent quickness in the pass rush, and projects to be a starter in 2008 … An interesting story, he played the best football of his career last season when it was thought he might not play at all … An unusual shoulder abnormality was discovered in the spring of 2007; had surgery and it was thought he might miss the season … Made a quick recovery, however, and was able to play … Appeared in 33 career games, earning two starts.

2007 (Junior): Played in all 13 games … Started in the win over Louisville and pulled down a career-high six tackles against the Cardinals, including a quarterback sack … Made three stops in the victory over top-ranked LSU, including a career-high two sacks … Has a streak of at least one tackle in 15 consecutive games.

2006 (Sophomore): Played in 12 games … Got first career start vs. LSU and responded well, tallying six tackles and two for a loss … Had five tackles, two for a loss, and one sack vs. hometown school South Carolina … Had 19 tackles on the season.

2005 (Freshman): Played in eight games … Made six tackles, highlighted by quarterback sacks against Florida and Vanderbilt … His sack at Vanderbilt was a key play in helping preserve the win over the Commodores.

High School: Outstanding athletic prospect who was a dominant defensive force at Columbia (S. C.) HS … Two-year starter, playing linebacker, defensive end, and defensive tackle … Team went 11-3 his senior year and reached the state semifinals in Class AA … Played in 10 games as a senior and totaled 129 tackles, featuring 12 tackles for loss, eight quarterbacks sacks, two fumbles caused and two fumble recoveries … Also played some on offense at fullback and showed his athleticism with his ability to block defenders in the open field … Named all-region and All-Midlands area … Coached by Kemper Amick … “The first word that comes to mind when I think of Ventrell is `relentless,'” Amick said. “He never stops. He is so explosive off the football. Once we moved him from linebacker to the defensive line he was almost unblockable.” … Transferred to Glenforest School in Cayce. S. C., to complete his high school … Played basketball, baseball, and track there, helping Glenforest win the state championship in basketball … Ran the 400-meter dash and also competed in the shot put and discus throw … Chose Kentucky with final consideration to South Carolina and Clemson.

Personal: Born in Orangeburg, S. C. … First name is pronounced “ven-TRELL” … Son of Stacey Jenkins and Sandra Keitt … A cousin, Jamie Jenkins, played basketball at Coker College … Major is social work.

Community Cats: Has put in extensive time as a mentor at Johnson Elementary School (2006-07) … Volunteer official at a youth tournament (2007) … Participated in events with the Boy Scouts and UK Children’s Hospital (2008).

Jenkins Career StatisticsYearPositionG-GSTacklesTFL-Yds.Sacks-Yds.FRFC2005Def. Tackle8-062-202-20002006Def. Tackle12-1194.5-101-5002007Def. Tackle13-1345.5-294-2700Totals33-25912-597-5200

2007

Opponent Tackles Sacks-Yds. TFL-Yds. FC FR PBUEastern Kentucky       10.5-30.5-3000Kent State200.5-0000Louisville61-81-8000at Arkansas400000Florida Atlantic301-2000at South Carolina30.5-40.5-4000LSU32-122-12001Florida100000Mississippi State300000at Vanderbilt300000at Georgia300000Tennessee100000vs. Florida State100000Totals344-275.5-29001