Gator Country

Florida junior cornerback Janoris Jenkins works out during the Gators' second day of spring practice on Friday at the Sanders football practice fields. / Gator Country photo by Tim Casey

Gator Country caught up with junior cornerback Janoris Jenkins to ask a few questions after spring football practice a couple of days ago. Dave Gardner gives us this report.

Question: How are you feeling so far this spring?
Answer: I feel pretty good. I’m just getting back out and getting used to it again, getting used to playing. I’ve got a few new corners out here, playing hard, working hard, and we’re striving for the best.

Q: How much different is it being the veteran?
A: I’ve just got to take a little bit more of a veteran role. The younger guys are doing well out there, I’ve just gotta lead them.

Q: Is it weird not having Joe on the other side?
A: Yeah, it’s kind of—but life goes on. We’ve got a new set of guys in, and like I said, they’re doing really well, and I’m looking forward to playing those guys.

Q: Are any of those guys jumping out at you?
A: I mean, all of ‘em are doing well. They’re all running to the ball and trying to learn the plays

Q: What’s your biggest area for improvement?
A: My biggest area for improvement is probably better tackling and keeping my eyes on my receiver.

Q: How are you improving those things this spring?
A: The coaches help me with helping stay focused, keeping my eyes on my receiver and keeping my head thinking about another title.

Q: Does Jordan Haden remind you at all of his older brother?
A: Yeah, kind of. He’s working hard, and he’s very strong. He’s doing pretty. I think he’s got a chip because his brother played here.

Q: What advice do you wish you had had as a freshman coming in?
A: When you come out here, it’s all about running. Running to the ball and running around the field. You’ve got to play each play like it’s your last.

Q: Will it be harder for you to get interceptions this season? It seems to me that teams will look to other side of the field a lot more often than they do to yours.
A: I don’t think I’m gonna get many balls, but the balls that I do get, I’ve got to do the best of my ability to make plays and do the best I can.

Q: Does seeing Joe Haden’s draft status make you think about the draft a little bit?
A: No, I’m not worried about that. I’m just looking forward to a great season, playing with these guys. After the season, I’ll see what I’m gonna do. After that, I’m not really worried about what’s going on.

Q: Are you now playing boundary?
A: I’m playing boundary. That’s the position I played my freshman year. I like it better because it’s the short side of the field and you get more throws over there --- maybe. Maybe I’ll get more throws than I did last year.

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