Janoris Jenkins Interview: Good Stuff

[JonJon]

Only posting a few questions. For the full interview, click below:
http://www.draftcountdown.com/interviews/Janoris-Jenkins/Janoris-Jenkins.php

http://www.draftcountdown.com/interviews/Janoris-Jenkins/JanorisJenkins.jpg

On talent alone there is no denying that North Alabama CB Janoris Jenkins belongs in the first round. However, off-the-field concerns cloud Jenkins draft stock. How well Jenkins interviews with scouts and decision-makers in the coming months will play a major role in determining whether or not he slides on Draft Day. Scott Wright of Draft Countdown caught up with Jenkins at the 2012 Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL and had a chance to not only talk with the talented cover guy but also look him directly in the eye to get a feel for the type of person he is. Is Janoris a good kid who just made some mistakes or are there underlying character issues that will continue to be a problem going forward? Those are questions that each team will have to answer for themselves, but this interview will hopefully provide a little bit of personal insight into one of this year's most controversial prospects.

Scott Wright: Obviously people are going to ask you about the off the field stuff. How are you planning to explain those incidents to NFL teams?
Janoris Jenkins: Basically just be honest. Admit that what I did was wrong, just let them know how it went and hopefully things will go better.



Scott Wright: I know you seriously considered going pro last year as a junior. What type of feedback did you get from the NFL at that time and what were the key factors in your decision to go back to school?
Janoris Jenkins: I got some good news if I decided to come out. I was looking at it that I just had surgery and my dad, my mentor and I had a talk and we all decided that I would come back, get my degree and finish my four years at Florida. I decided to go to North Alabama because I didn't want to run from my problems. I had done things that I wanted to face up to as a man and I wanted to go to North Alabama to learn, fight adversity and show everyone that I'm not the kid they say I am.



Scott Wright: Can you talk a little bit about the adjustment of going from the SEC to a D2 Program? Was it more difficult than you anticipated?
Janoris Jenkins: I mean, it was difficult, but it was an experience. It humbled me a lot seeing how I went from Florida to a Division II football school in one season. It really humbled me as a kid. It taught me a lot. The environment was totally different, from 95,000 in "The Swamp" to 3,500 at UNA. Big difference.



Scott Wright: How would you describe your game to someone who has never seen you play? What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Janoris Jenkins: I'm quick, fast, explosive, great ball skills. I've got a feel for the ball. I have a tendency of playing off coverage and peaking into the backfield too much so I feel I have to work on that.



Scott Wright: What current NFL cornerback do you admire and compare yourself to?
Janoris Jenkins: I compare myself to Darrelle Revis. I look up to that guy. He's a great cornerback. He plays with great technique and he's one of the best.


Scott Wright: What was your favorite team and player growing up?
Janoris Jenkins: My favorite team growing up was the Dallas Cowboys. My favorite player was, not an NFL player, but my big brother. I really look up to my big brother.


Scott Wright: If you could go back in time what advice would you give the 18-year-old version of yourself?
Janoris Jenkins: Make the right decisions on and off the field and strive for what you want to be.



Scott Wright: What were you hoping to prove to scouts at the Senior Bowl?
Janoris Jenkins: That I'm a great kid. I'm respectful, humble. That the decisions I made in the past are behind me and that I made stupid mistakes as a kid.

[jterrell]

This kid to me is an extremely good cover corner but he does have size working against him.

Dallas would rather pair Mike Jenkins with a bigger CB.

All that said, I like this guy a lot and think he is a tremendous prospect at 14.

[Idgit]

This is a really good interview. It's what you'd expect a top-pick to be coached to answer, but he's saying all the right things.

[casmith07]

This is a really good interview. It's what you'd expect a top-pick to be coached to answer, but he's saying all the right things.

Exactly.

Wouldn't be upset with the pick AS LONG AS we fix at least one spot on the interior OL through free agency.

[realtick]

It's as expected.

I'm sure once Kirkpatrick does a similiar interview people will be saying "you know, I had my doubts, but I think he's geniunely sorry and a changed man....I'm OK with drafting him" too.

[This is Our Year]

Could be a law firm at CB next year for us with Jenkins and Jenkins Co.

[Gaede]

This is a really good interview. It's what you'd expect a top-pick to be coached to answer, but he's saying all the right things.

Definitely. Very impressive interview. You can say he's well coached and all that, but nonetheless, he IS saying the right things

[DBOY3141]

For pretty much 10 years Dallas has stuck with trying to draft choir boys. The NFL is not a bunch of choir boys.

Go back to the 90's motto and draft good football players. Jenkins may be the best CB in this draft. he got in trouble at a young age.

take a chance, draft him.

We need good football players, some can be choir boys but some need to be "on the edge".

[supercowboy8]

I would love to have him. I have been saying for awhile that he is past his problems and is a great guy.
He is a top 10 talent and if he is there at 14 I would take him.

Then trade back into the bottom of the 1st and draft Hightower for OLB.

[Joe Rod]

I am buying the kool-aid with this kid. I still am hoping for Decastro, but if he is gone then I hope Dallas pulls the trigger on Jenkins.

[JonJon]

It's as expected.

I'm sure once Kirkpatrick does a similiar interview people will be saying "you know, I had my doubts, but I think he's geniunely sorry and a changed man....I'm OK with drafting him" too.

It could be a coached response or it could be a sincere response. We don't know, but at least he is saying the right things and acknowledging that he made mistakes and needs to do better. He could take the TO approach and deny he did anything wrong and blame everyone but himself while throwing his teammates under the bus.

[jnday]

It could be a coached response or it could be a sincere response. We don't know, but at least he is saying the right things and acknowledging that he made mistakes and needs to do better. He could take the TO approach and deny he did anything wrong and blame everyone but himself while throwing his teammates under the bus.

I would have been shocked if he had answered differently . What else could be expected ? He was not going to say anything that his agent didn't approve of . Too much money involved .

[burmafrd]

all these guys claiming they have changed. They always say that. Talk is cheap. And those claiming they KNOW these guys have changed are full of crap. NO ONE outside of the person himself knows the truth of it all.

[Gaede]

all these guys claiming they have changed. They always say that. Talk is cheap. And those claiming they KNOW these guys have changed are full of crap. NO ONE outside of the person himself knows the truth of it all.

Definitely. But just as no one can safely guarantee he has changed, no one can safely guarantee he hasn't. So why not take his word for it?

[JonJon]

all these guys claiming they have changed. They always say that. Talk is cheap. And those claiming they KNOW these guys have changed are full of crap. NO ONE outside of the person himself knows the truth of it all.

If it means anything, here is what UNA coach Terry Bowden had to say about him: Terry Bowden says Janoris Jenkins – the former Florida Gators star cornerback – is the best player he’s ever coached and that includes NFL linebacker Takeo Spikes, whom he coached at Auburn.

Bowden says Jenkins, a potential No. 1 draft choice, made some “dumb, bozo” moves when he was arrested multiple times for marijuana use while he was at UF, but says he has been a model citizen and superstar player at UNA.


http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_bianchi/2011/10/janoris-jenkins-gators-will-muschamp-terry-bowden-jimbo-fisher.html

[jnday]

Definitely. But just as no one can safely guarantee he has changed, no one can safely guarantee he hasn't. So why not take his word for it?

I can't speak for burm , but I would tend to believe him if his behaviour continues for quite a while longer . That doesn't help with this draft , but it is just my thoughts .

[Doomsday101]

It's as expected.

I'm sure once Kirkpatrick does a similiar interview people will be saying "you know, I had my doubts, but I think he's geniunely sorry and a changed man....I'm OK with drafting him" too.

I think interview teams will do with others like the HC and DC and secondary coach who worked with him day in a day out will also give teams more information on the character of Jenkins and Kirkpatrick.

I respect he answered the questions as he did but I think teams will look deeper than just that interview

[robert70x7]

It's as expected.

I'm sure once Kirkpatrick does a similiar interview people will be saying "you know, I had my doubts, but I think he's geniunely sorry and a changed man....I'm OK with drafting him" too.

Kirkpatrick's interview will be loaded with "youknowhatimsayin"s.

[Gaede]

The thing I like about him is he could've gone pro last year, would've been a high pick, but he stayed-got his degree-and repaired his image. Actions speak louder than words, right?

Then why ignore his most recent actions? He took the hard road to fix his image and that says something, IMO

[Frozen700]

Exactly.

Wouldn't be upset with the pick AS LONG AS we fix at least one spot on the interior OL through free agency.

my boy Cas..coming around..i like this.

Now i see hope that we actually get this guy

[realtick]

Kirkpatrick's interview will be loaded with "youknowhatimsayin"s.

I'd be happy to take Mr. youknowwhatisayin.

[robert70x7]

I'd be happy to take Mr. youknowwhatisayin.

Yeah, I've been watching some videos on him and I think if he can press up on receivers and knock them off their route for a split second, it would help out a lot. His size is definitely a great attribute, we'll just have to wait to see if Janoris is off the charts in terms of speed and agility.

[Frozen700]

all these guys claiming they have changed. They always say that. Talk is cheap. And those claiming they KNOW these guys have changed are full of crap. NO ONE outside of the person himself knows the truth of it all.

Yes you are right....

Let's just assume he is guilty. I mean what else is he supposed to say?

I would love to see you get caught stealing, or doing something bad. I am sure you would tell the judge "nope i am not changing, lock me up"

I am sure you wouldn't cry like a little.......and try to beat it into everyones head that you have changed.

[egn22]

my new favorite pick for us at 14. goodbye decastro, hello jenkins. nothing personal, but our secondary is falling apart and this seems like the perfect match.

[Frozen700]

my new favorite pick for us at 14. goodbye decastro, hello jenkins. nothing personal, but our secondary is falling apart and this seems like the perfect match.

He likes the cowboys. Favorite Team, therefore he would most likely play harder for us, then he would anybody else.

I want him!

[Doomsday101]

Yes you are right....

Let's just assume he is guilty. I mean what else is he supposed to say?

I would love to see you get caught stealing, or doing something bad. I am sure you would tell the judge "nope i am not changing, lock me up"

I am sure you wouldn't cry like a little.......and try to beat it into everyones head that you have changed.

Hard to blame anyone for having doubts. I do think what others will say those who are around him and coached him and delt with him on a daily bases will get phone calls and interviews to get their take.

[Frozen700]

Hard to blame anyone for having doubts. I do think what others will say those who are around him and coached him and delt with him on a daily bases will get phone calls and interviews to get their take.

I agree

1 thing i will say, he has better speech than Kirk. So when it comes to interviews, Jenkins def has the upper hand on him there.

[burmafrd]

The thing I like about him is he could've gone pro last year, would've been a high pick, but he stayed-got his degree-and repaired his image. Actions speak louder than words, right?

Then why ignore his most recent actions? He took the hard road to fix his image and that says something, IMO


with everything so recent, he would NOT have been a high pick. Otherwise he would have come out

[burmafrd]

Yes you are right....

Let's just assume he is guilty. I mean what else is he supposed to say?

I would love to see you get caught stealing, or doing something bad. I am sure you would tell the judge "nope i am not changing, lock me up"

I am sure you wouldn't cry like a little.......and try to beat it into everyones head that you have changed.

and how does this help the boys if he has NOT changed?

Or if after getting his money, he decided he wanted to make it rain?

[Gaede]

with everything so recent, he would NOT have been a high pick. Otherwise he would have come out

Not a 1st no, but I sincerely doubt he would've been lower than a 2/3. Which is still a high pick. Jimmy Smith was still a 1st rounder last year.

The point is, Jenkins didn't take the easy route. He took a tough path back to prominence, worked hard, kept clean.

That affords him a little respect and the benefit of doubt

[Chocolate Lab]

Love how all year -- or for two years now -- people claim that Garrett is cleaning out the locker room, that he'll only bring in "the right kind of guy", that he'd never have brought in a Dez type... But now that a guy with some talent comes along, people want to throw all that away and spend one of the most valuable resources we have on him.

[Doomsday101]

Love how all year -- or for two years now -- people claim that Garrett is cleaning out the locker room, that he'll only bring in "the right kind of guy", that he'd never have brought in a Dez type... But now that a guy with some talent comes along, people want to throw all that away and spend one of the most valuable resources we have on him.

If I had a say then maybe a 2nd rd after doing allot of back ground checking on him. I could not do it in rd 1, I know he has talent but the baggage worries me.

[weaver21]

I like Jenkins ... I think he has some serious talent and could come in and start right away. Obviously the character issues are a concern, but the guy could've easily took the easy way out and entered the draft last year, but he decided to finish school and get a degree before entering the pros. It's obvious he's trying to clean up his act and it looks like he has, so I would draft him.

But it all depends on what we do in free agency in my eyes. If we sign a offensive lineman like Nicks or Grubbs and also sign a top corner like Finnegan or Carr, then there's no need to draft Jenkins so then I would look for a pass rusher. Let's see what the Cowboys do in free agency and then I think we'll have a clearer picture on who they'll target in the draft.

[Frozen700]

and how does this help the boys if he has NOT changed?

Or if after getting his money, he decided he wanted to make it rain?

I never said he hasn't really changed i was just saying stop thinking or assuming he hasn't.

Also you are getting mad at people getting happy that he is saying he has turned a new leaf. At the end of the day what do you expect from him? To say he has not changed?

Overall i believe he has. He got kicked out of Florida, saw his career going down the drain, that is a wake up call.

[JonJon]

I never said he hasn't really changed i was just saying stop thinking or assuming he hasn't.

Also you are getting mad at people getting happy that he is saying he has turned a new leaf. At the end of the day what do you expect from him? To say he has not changed?

Overall i believe he has. He got kicked out of Florida, saw his career going down the drain, that is a wake up call.

I agree. Plus from what I have read and heard, his coach at UNA had nothing but good to say about him. But it's up to the Cowboys to do their due diligence. That means interviewing him, following up with the coaches and staff to make sure he has turned a new leaf. If he pans out, draft him and reap the benefits of a top CB.

[jnday]

I never said he hasn't really changed i was just saying stop thinking or assuming he hasn't.

Also you are getting mad at people getting happy that he is saying he has turned a new leaf. At the end of the day what do you expect from him? To say he has not changed?

Overall i believe he has. He got kicked out of Florida, saw his career going down the drain, that is a wake up call.

I think you made a good point . What did you expect him to say ? With the chance to get a big payday , he is not going to say anything to hurt himself . His behaviour at N.A. goes more in his favor than what he says . Does his words mean that he has changed ? No.
My biggest concern is why should Dallas take the risk ? There is no need to risk it just because a CB is needed .

[Balotelli]

Definitely. But just as no one can safely guarantee he has changed, no one can safely guarantee he hasn't. So why not take his word for it?

DITTO.

Having watched Jenkins his JR year at Florida, I think It's safe to say this guy has all the tools to become one of the top corners in the NFL. Hope Jerry sees it aswell.

[JonJon]

I think you made a good point . What did you expect him to say ? With the chance to get a big payday , he is not going to say anything to hurt himself . His behaviour at N.A. goes more in his favor than what he says . Does his words mean that he has changed ? No.
My biggest concern is why should Dallas take the risk ? There is no need to risk it just because a CB is needed .

Here are a few reasons why: Just look for #41. He won't be hard to find. He's the one getting beat for long receptions and touchdowns.
Nh4oGPtFHx4

Xel9sOr99k8

2iC0wUt4GLM

[Doomsday101]

Here are a few reasons why: Just look for #41. He won't be hard to find. He's the one getting beat for long receptions and touchdowns.
Nh4oGPtFHx4

Xel9sOr99k8

2iC0wUt4GLM

There are no highlight clips of players sitting at home due to suspentions either. I'm not totally aginst Jenkins, at 14 I think that would be a big risk and frankly I would be willing to take someone else at CB like a Boykin.

Having players you can trust does matter. Tenn knew the risk with Pac Man they took the risk and were burned by him.

[crazyfool]

I would be in complete favor in drafting another cb named Jenkins. We need talent in the secondary as we lose people. Janoris is probably the most(maybe second) talented DB in this draft.

[jnday]

There are no highlight clips of players sitting at home due to suspentions either. I'm not totally aginst Jenkins, at 14 I think that would be a big risk and frankly I would be willing to take someone else at CB like a Boykin.

Having players you can trust does matter. Tenn knew the risk with Pac Man they took the risk and were burned by him.

This is my point as well . Jenkins has the talent , but he also has a history of making dumb mistakes .

[realtick]

Here are a few reasons why: Just look for #41. He won't be hard to find. He's the one getting beat for long receptions and touchdowns.
Nh4oGPtFHx4

Xel9sOr99k8

2iC0wUt4GLM


Excuse me, Terence Newman has never been beat for a touchdown and "is our best cornerback," also "he deserves better" and "we won't know what we had until he's gone."

I know so because idgit told me.

[jnday]

DITTO.

Having watched Jenkins his JR year at Florida, I think It's safe to say this guy has all the tools to become one of the top corners in the NFL. Hope Jerry sees it aswell.

I agree that he has the tools to be elite , but he has a recent history of stupid mistakes . Sure he is going to say he has changed when faced with losing millions of dollars . What do you think he is going to do after he gets paid ?

[Balotelli]

I agree that he has the tools to be elite , but he has a recent history of stupid mistakes . Sure he is going to say he has changed when faced with losing millions of dollars . What do you think he is going to do after he gets paid ?

Buy thousands of pounds of Cocaine. What about you?

Or should I say, Cannabis?

[JonJon]

I agree that he has the tools to be elite , but he has a recent history of stupid mistakes . Sure he is going to say he has changed when faced with losing millions of dollars . What do you think he is going to do after he gets paid ?

I don't know....let's ask him.

Scott Wright: When you get your first paycheck what are you going to buy?
Janoris Jenkins: I'm going to buy my mom whatever she wants, whatever she asks for.

There you have it.

[Frozen700]

I agree that he has the tools to be elite , but he has a recent history of stupid mistakes . Sure he is going to say he has changed when faced with losing millions of dollars . What do you think he is going to do after he gets paid ?

I mean why do you care?

So i guess you never made a mistake in your life? Wrong....you are human, we all made mistakes. I think it is safe to assume when you made your mistake, whatever it was, you begged for forgiveness and wanted whoever it was, to believe you wouldn't do it again. Right or Wrong?

oh..ok

[Gaede]

I don't know....let's ask him.

Scott Wright: When you get your first paycheck what are you going to buy?
Janoris Jenkins: I'm going to buy my mom whatever she wants, whatever she asks for.

There you have it.

Jeff Ireland: Is your mom a drug kingpin?

[jnday]

I mean why do you care?

So i guess you never made a mistake in your life? Wrong....you are human, we all made mistakes. I think it is safe to assume when you made your mistake, whatever it was, you begged for forgiveness and wanted whoever it was, to believe you wouldn't do it again. Right or Wrong?

oh..ok

What you can not understand is that he made a series of mistakes . Not one . This is what you call a pattern of behaviour . Stay with me so that you understand . It matters to me because he has that pattern of behaviour that makes him a risk for an early round pick . Do you want to draft Cliff Harris to go with him ? As for my mistakes , I have made some . None involved anything that was considered drug problems . No , I have not been arrested ( I don't know if Jenkins has or not ) or been involved with drugs . I have not been kicked off a football team due to repeated drug abuse either . No I have not ever made any mistake that was so severe that I had to beg for anything . I have found that if you use your head , you don't get in trouble . Because he is a great talent , I don't see why his stupidity should be overlooked .

[jnday]

I don't know....let's ask him.

Scott Wright: When you get your first paycheck what are you going to buy?
Janoris Jenkins: I'm going to buy my mom whatever she wants, whatever she asks for.

There you have it.

What do you expect ? He is going to tell the media just what he needs to . There is millions of dollars at stake . I was actually a big fan of Jenkins when he was at Florida and I hope he gets his life on track . Just because he is a great talent doesn't excuse his behavior . IMO , it is on him to prove that he has changed his behaviour and it will take more than words .