BREAKING NEWS: Gators CB Janoris Jenkins returning for senior season
Monday, January 10, 2011 | Football, Softball, Scott Carter
Gators junior cornerback Janoris Jenkins has decided to return to school for his senior season.
Jenkins was considering leaving school and entering the NFL draft. He recently met with his family and new Gators head coach Will Muschamp to mull over his options.
“After careful consideration, I've made a decision to return to school for my senior year,'' Jenkins said. “I spent some time with my family and Coach Muschamp and came to the conclusion it was in my best interest to return to school.
“Coach Muschamp was very supportive throughout the whole process, regardless of my decision, but he wanted to make sure I had all of the facts. I'm looking forward to working towards my degree, completing my rehab and getting back on the field with my teammates.”
Jenkins underwent shoulder surgery after the regular-season finale at Florida State and missed the Gators' 37-24 win over Penn State in the Outback Bowl.
He instantly gives the Gators an All-SEC defensive back in Muschamp's first season. Muschamp, who spent a season in the NFL on Nick Saban's staff with the Miami Dolphins, provided Jenkins with as much information as he could to help him make his decision.
“I'm excited that Janoris has made a decision to come back to school,” Muschamp said. “I would have supported him in whatever decision he made, but I commend him for making a mature decision.
“It would have been real easy for Janoris to make an emotional choice and leave early, but with our contacts in the NFL, we were able to assist him in understanding his draft status and he made an educated decision that will be beneficial to him in the long term.”
