And the day rolls on with another defensive commitment in Plaquemine defensive lineman Nelson Jenkins.
I'd like to thank @Coach_EdOrgeron for offering me a scholarship to play football at LSU. I AM OFFICIALLY COMMITTED TO BECOME A TIGER‼️ pic.twitter.com/AZ2pGYn4D7
— Nelson_J_III (@NelsonJenkins71) February 16, 2017
Jenkins had been among the group of Louisiana prospects that had committed to Kansas in the last two weeks. A group that continues to dwindle.
The Plaquemine native is 6’4”, 280 pounds and fittingly used fellow Plaquemine native Davon Godchaux in his announcement tweet. Physically the two are a spitting image, and few prospects are more impressive looking on the hoof than Jenkins.
Jenkins plays with good leverage and actually displays some advanced pass rushing technique for a young player.
Recruiting services aren’t overly keen on him at this time, but Jenkins passes rule No. 1 of LSU recruiting:
Thou shall not question early in-state offers by LSU.
As noted in Bruce Feldman’s excellent piece on Signing Day with Orgeron, O likes to offer first and more importantly, O trusts his ability to evaluate. LSU historically slow plays all but the best of the best in state, so their willingness to extend an offer this early says all you need to know about Jenkins’ ability. Clearly, he ranks higher on their big board than recruiting services may rank him.
Throw another big body into the mix for the DL. Jenkins’ commitment throws LSU up to 4th nationally in the 247 team composite rankings.