Player Bio: Jerome Jenkins - University of New Mexico Official Athletic Site

Jerome Jenkins

	Class: Sophomore
	Hometown: Houston, Texas
	High School: Kempner HS

	Height / Weight: 5-10 / 186
	Position: Cornerback
	Birthdate: 08/10/1987
	Experience: RS

NEW MEXICO: Up-and-coming defensive back who quickly established himself as the Lobos' No. 3 cornerback in 2007 after moving over from safety during the final week of training camp...took to the position immediately, providing solid coverage and a physical presence in the secondary...plays with a veteran demeanor, staying calm and collected in any situation on the field...will be the first CB off the bench in relief of senior standouts DeAndre Wright and Glover Quin once again in 2008, but should make a name for himself in the near future...wasn't expected to be a regular in the secondary entering `07 fall camp, but made his first collegiate start in place of the injured Quin in the Lobos' landmark win at Arizona in week 3...was the first Lobo freshman to start at corner since Billy Austin (6 times) in 1994...Austin went on to a 3-year career in the NFL as a safety...got a jump on college life, enrolling at UNM midway through his senior year of high school in January of 2006...went through the '06 spring practice season after earning his diploma a semester early...was the first early entry freshman ever to take part in spring practice at UNM...went back home after the spring in order to go through graduation ceremonies with his high school classmates...played special teams in the first 2 games of the '06 season before an injury forced him to take a medical redshirt...comes from the same HS (Kempner) as former Lobo and NFL RB/PR Winslow Oliver.

2007 (REDSHIRT FRESHMAN): Was a pleasant surprise in the secondary, providing solid coverage and physical play in all 13 games (4 starts) at corner despite limited experience at the position...played a big role during the first month of the season as incumbent starter Glover Quin worked his way back from a groin injury...earned his first start in week 3 at Arizona...tallied 5 pass break-ups, including 2 in the end zone, with just 3 long passes (15+ yards) allowed in his 4 starts...also had 30 tackles (19 solo), including 4 stops in kick coverage. `07 HIGHLIGHTS: vs. BYU...Was challenged often downfield and allowed one big play - a 59-yard TD catch by the Cougars' top WR, Austin Collie - but otherwise provided excellent coverage in his 67 snaps...notched 2 more pass break-ups, including one in the end zone to hold BYU to a late 4th quarter FG...also had a season-high 6 tackles (none missed), including several big hits...knocked Collie from the game briefly in the 4th quarter with a powerful pop on a deep sideline pass...helped the Lobo secondary limit QB Max Hall to 251 yards on 18-40 passing (45%)...Hall entered the game ranked 4th in the nation averaging 377.3 yards/game...vs. Sacramento State...Excellent effort, providing lock-down coverage and firing upfield to make 4 tackles in a dominant defensive performance...helped the Lobos record their first shutout in 5 years, while allowing just 104 yards of total offense - the fewest since 1983 - and a mere 27 yards passing...at Arizona...Solid performance against a potent Pac-10 offense in his first career start...was targeted often, but came up with 3 pass break-ups, including 2 near interceptions, and did not allow any long passes (15+) in the first 3 quarters...was beat deep twice in the 4th quarter, but rallied to break up a pass in the end zone with a big hit on the receiver...was shaken up on the play, however, and missed the final 2 series...finished with 5 solo tackles.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2006 graduate of Houston Kempner High School...three-year defensive letterman for head coach Mike Ferrell...first team all-district outside linebacker as a senior when he had 112 tackles and 10 sacks...also played running back and defensive back during his prep career and he spent two years on the basketball team.

PERSONAL: Born Aug. 10, 1987, in Houston...age is 21...full name is Jerome Anthony Jenkins...son of Jason and Cathy Jones...major is University Studies.