Countdown to Virginia Football: #61 Trenton Jenkins

Trenton Jenkins

Position: OT
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 280
Year: Redshirt Freshman
Hometown: Charlottesville
Twitter: @t_steak61

Originally a 2014 recruit out of the Convenant School in Charlottesville, Jenkins spent a year at FUMA. As a 2015 recruit, Jenkins was offered a “preferred walk-on” position by Mike London. As a native of Charlottesville and lifelong Wahoo fan whose father played for the Hoos (as a kicker), Jenkins jumped on that offer.

Though he actually spent most of his time at FUMA at TE, he moved back to the OL late in his prep year and continues there for the Hoos. He has also played DE and punted. To noone’s surprise, Jenkins redshirted last year. Jenkins certainly has the size to play on the OL for the Hoos. The problem is that he’s not the most athletic of OLs, a problem considering the newly installed spread offense.

Though Jenkins is only entering his 2nd year with the program, his year at FUMA gives him a leg up. He’s basically spent 2 years in an advanced strength and conditioning program and has also worked under FUMA head coach John Shuman, who is great at getting prospects ready for college.

The Hoos are not particularly deep on the OL right now, with just 13 players listed there (this does not include the 2 incoming freshman likely slotted at OL). Because of that, it wouldn’t take much for Jenkins to be on the field this year. Of course, Jenkins would be a last resort for the Hoos on the OL, so if he were on the field, it likely means the Hoos have suffered major injuries on the OL and this would likely not bode well for offensive success. That said, Jenkins has room to grow and become a better player.

The Hoos already have 2 OLs signed for 2017, but lose at least 5 seniors. So, it is likely that Jenkins find himself on the 2-deep to open next season. And depending on the progression of some of the scholarship players, Jenkins could even find himself starting.