Gator Country

Moses Jenkins is happy to be a Florida Gator and part of the nation's best football recruiting class, but the process was long and difficult, and by the time signing day rolled around, it had gotten downright irritable. He couldn't wait for the chance to fax in his LOI so he could finally have some peace and quiet.

(See Moses Jenkins profile)

“I feel real good about being part of the best recruiting class in the country, but I am glad I have everyone off my back ... coaches calling me, everyone calling me,” he said. “There were a lot of great schools like Central Florida, Wisconsin, Auburn, and Iowa and I could only choose one. That was really hard.”

Jenkins is a tall, talented cornerback who is going to have every opportunity to see early playing time at the University of Florida. Florida’s depth at the position is inadequate so freshmen have to come in with the attitude that they’re ready to strap it on and get in there from day one.

At Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson, Jenkins earned first team All-State honors in Class 6A as a senior. He also made All-Broward County. During his playing career at Boyd Anderson, only one touchdown pass was thrown over him.

He obviously has some skills to play cornerback but he’s keenly aware that he has to come to Gainesville ready to work hard so that he can improve in all areas of his game. He says there is one area in particular that he has to work on.

“I have good cover skills and I know what receivers are going to run before the play starts,” he said confidently. “But, I need to work on my open field tackling.”

Jenkins seemed to appear on the Florida recruiting radar late in the process but the Gator coaching staff was well aware of him the entire time. That’s because Jenkins always wanted to be a Gator so he made several trips to the campus during the summer to prove himself to the staff.

That willingness to show the coaches what he could do probably helped turn the tables in his favor. He got an offer while other cornerbacks did not.

“It was my lifelong dream to play at the University of Florida,” Jenkins said. “I also like that it isn’t far away from my hometown so my family can come see me. I also know that Florida is a great school and after I get my degree and after football is over, I know I can do something with that degree.”

At 6-2.5, 180 pounds with quick feet, and exceptional speed, Jenkins has some tools that coaches love for the cornerback position. In addition to the obvious athletic skills, he brings the right kind of attitude to the Gators. He has no aversion to hard work and he understands the concept of team chemistry.

“I plan on working hard and getting along with the guys,” he said. “I want to get on the field, have some fun and help them win games.”

Off the field, Jenkins is low-key. On the field that’s a different story. He thinks his on-field antics help get others excited and he loves to be that extra juice for his teammates.

“I am really excited on the field,” he said. “I am calm when I need to be, but my excitement is visible when it needs to be.”

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