|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NUC Five Star Participant Courtel Jenkins Talks in a Q&A
St. Anthony's (NJ) defensive tackle Courtel Jenkins was named number fifteen in the recent NUC top 25 for the class of 2014 in New Jersey. Jenkins is listed at 6-3 and 315 pounds. The Friars defender has a rare combination of size and athletic ability. Jenkins is able to chase down ball carriers and he makes tackles ten yards down field. As a nose tackle or 1 technique, Jenkins has the ability to play in a two gap defense. His pass rushing skills are very underrated and Jenkins shows he has great agility and motor to get to the quarterback. Jenkins has helped lead his St. Anthony's squad to a 2-0 start.
Steven Barsamian NUC: You guys are 2-0, how's the season going so far?
Courtel Jenkins: Our season is going great so far. We are off to a good start and we are going to try to keep the energy going.
NUC: What would you say your team has improved on the most since last season?
CJ: On offense, our offensive line is crisper in our blocking. Our offense is more upbeat and productive.
NUC: What would you say your strengths are as a player?
CJ: My strengths are being able to cause havoc on the defensive line. I feel I am disruptive to opposing offenses and their plays.
NUC: What are your expectations for your team this season?
CJ: Well for the season my expectations are to make the playoffs and hopefully win a state championship this year. I mean that is our expectation every year. But mainly just get the ring (State Championship Ring).
NUC: What do you think your team needs to do to achieve those goals?
CJ: Mainly working hard and that's how we got to be 2-0. Just continue to work hard and keep being crisp on offense and defense.
NUC: St. Joe's (Hammonton) has been the big dog in non public group one, how do you guys get past them this year?
CJ: I think we can outplay them by being football smart. Just continue to be crisp and in sync with one another. We have the ability to go out and dominate. I believe we are stronger than them on our offensive and defensive lines.
NUC: What are your individual goals for the season?
CJ: Well my individual goals for this year are to get more sacks than last year. Also I want to make more tackles than last year. And instead of being All County this year I want to be All State or an All American.
NUC: St. Anthony's is known for being a big time basketball powerhouse, how can your football team step out of their shadow and make your own name?
CJ: Well if this year we can win a state championship that would definitely say something.
NUC: Also does it help having a great basketball team?
CJ: We have a couple of basketball players that play on the football team like Jamaal McLaughlin.
NUC: What are your thoughts on being named to in the top 15 for the NUC top 25 for the class of 2014 in NJ?
CJ: I like the fact that I was named in the top 25. But I felt like I could have been higher rated compared to the other linemen.
NUC: What are your thoughts on the NUC combines you attended last spring?
CJ: I like those combines a lot. I learned a lot of things. There was a lot of good competition there. It was definitely one of the best camps that I went to.
NUC: Alright personal questions, what is your favorite subject in school?
CJ: Math. I like the challenge of it. I like the problems and equations that you have to solve. It's like a whole different world in math class.
NUC: Do you have a nickname?
CJ: Nah I don't have a nickname yet.
NUC: Favorite NFL team?
CJ: New York Giants
NUC: Favorite Professional athlete?
CJ: Ah that's a tough one; I would have to say Ray Lewis.
NUC: Anybody in the NFL you like to pattern your game after?
CJ: Definitely Ndamukong Suh.
NUC: Do you have a favorite mantra or quote?
CJ: Not really. But before every game I play a video of Ray Lewis. I have seen the video like four or five times.
NUC: Ok some recruiting stuff, how's the recruiting process been going?
CJ: Well it's going great so far. I have gotten a lot of letters from schools.
NUC: What teams have shown the most interest at this point?
CJ: Well right now: Michigan, Ohio State, Rutgers, Pitt, Florida State, and I have spoken to a couple of Alabama coaches.
NUC: You made a couple visits over the summer, how did they go?
CJ: They were good. I went to UCONN and got a tour of their facilities. It was good.
NUC: Do you have any visits planned for during the season?
CJ: Right now I'm going to try to go to see games at Penn State, Ohio State, and Pitt. On October 6 I'm going to go to the Rutgers game with my coaches.
NUC: Have any teams told you they were close to offering?
CJ: Not yet.
NUC: Did you have a favorite school growing up?
CJ: Well when Coach Schiano was there at Rutgers. I definitely liked them a lot. But since he left I'm a little iffy about them.
