4/27/2013
The Miami Dolphins selected former GC great LB Jelani Jenkins from Florida with the 104th overall pick (4th round).
As a five-star outside linebacker recruit, Jenkins was first-team all-state in Maryland. Highly sought after, Jenkins chose Florida over Notre Dame, Penn State, USC and Stanford. Jenkins was named the Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year in both 2007 and 2008. As a senior, he traveled to Los Angeles as one of five national finalists for the Watkins Award, awarded annually to the “Premier African-American Male Scholar Athlete”.
As a junior at GC Jelani rushed for 1129 yards and 42 touchdowns at running back and had 60 tackles, four sacks, an interception, a forced fumble, and recovered two fumbles at linebacker. As a senior Jenkins rushed for 22 touchdowns and made 70 tackles. He was the first player in the 71-year history of the District's Pigskin Club to earn both Defensive Player of the Year and Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors. He was recognized as a Parade magazine All-American and was chosen to play in the 2009 Under Armour All-America Game.
Jenkins was one of the top high school football players in the class of 2009. Scout.com ranked him as the #7 overall player and the #1 linebacker, while Rivals.com ranked him the #10 overall recruit and #2 at linebacker. Jenkins announced his decision to attend Florida on National Signing Day, February 4, 2009.
Congratulations Jelani we are very proud of you
