PRO: Mike Jenkins enters his second season with expectations of pairing with Pro Bowl cornerback Terence Newman as a starter in the defensive backfield. One of two first round draft picks (25th overall) in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, Jenkins was eased into the lineup during his rookie season due to injuries to Newman and the mid-season suspension of Adam Jones. In 2009 he will be given the opportunity to claim a starting spot in the Dallas Defense after Anthony Henry was traded to Detroit for Jon Kitna.
TRANSACTION SUMMARY:
4/26/08: Drafted in the first round (25th overall) by Dallas.
2008:
As a rookie, played in 14 games with three starts to record 22 tackles, an interception that he returned for a touchdown and six pass breakups.
Made his NFL debut at Cleveland (9/7) playing in the nickel and dime packages but did not record any statistics.
Notched his first career tackle and pass breakup against Philadelphia (9/15).
Posted three tackles at Green Bay (9/21).
Made his first career start for an injured Newman (abdomen) at St. Louis (10/19) to the tune of four tackles and a pass breakup.
Recorded a season-high seven tackles along with a pass defensed in his second start of the season against Tampa Bay (10/26).
In his third start of the season at the N.Y. Giants (11/2), intercepted his first career pass which he returned 23 yards for a touchdown to mark the first defensive score of the season and the first Dallas rookie to return an interception for a touchdown since Roy Williams had two in 2002. Also added four tackles and a pass breakup.
Was inactive against Seattle (11/27) and at Pittsburgh (12/7) with a hamstring injury.
Returned to action against the N.Y. Giants (12/14) but did not record any stats.
COLLEGE:
Jenkins started 40 of the 48 games he played at South Florida and racked up 133 tackles with six for losses, five forced fumbles and 41 pass breakups with six interceptions.
He left USF atop the record books with 47 career passes defensed and seventh in school history with six interceptions.
At the end of his collegiate career, Jenkins burst onto the scene as a dangerous kickoff return man, taking the first kickoff of his senior year 100 yards for a touchdown to set a school mark.
Was a finalist for the Thorpe Award as a senior, finishing with career-highs in tackles (41), interceptions (three) and tackles for losses (four) to go along with 12 pass breakups while starting in 13 games.
Started 12 of the 13 games he played as a junior, missing a start in the bowl game, and led the team with a career-high 15 pass breakups along with 27 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
As a sophomore, started all 12 games at right cornerback and had 38 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and five pass breakups.
Played in 10-of-11 games with three starts at left cornerback as a freshman, finishing with 27 tackles, nine pass breakups and two forced fumbles.
PERSONAL:
Was a standout safety, earning SuperPrep All-America honors as a senior at Bradenton, Fla., Southeast High School.
In 2002 named first-team Class 3A all-state and selected by the Sarasota Herald Tribune as its Defensive Player of the Year after recording 42 tackles, two interceptions, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, two blocked punts and two blocked field goals
Also played running back and led the team with 859 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2002.
Born in Newenburg, Germany.
Has a son, Mekhi.
COMMUNITY:
2008 Dallas Cowboys Rookie Club.
Annual team holiday hospital visits.
Dallas Cowboys Kickoff Luncheon and Cowboys Family Cookbook benefitting Happy Hill Farm.
Salvation Army Angel Tree Christmas Program.
2009 Dallas Cowboys Draft Day and Fan Appreciation Party.
