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The Six Best NFL-Caliber Players the Gators will Face in 2015

By Anthony Garcia

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Nov 8, 2014; Lexington, KY, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jordan Jenkins (59) tackles Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Patrick Towles (14) at Commonwealth Stadium. Georgia defeated Kentucky 63-31. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

OLB Jordan Jenkins, Senior- Georgia

As if having one NFL-caliber OLB was fair enough, Georgia has two of them at their disposal with Jordan Jenkins lining up opposite of Leonard Floyd.

Related: The Top-5 linebackers in UF History

Jenkins was a heralded recruit coming out of high school, as he was the No.1 recruit in the state of Georgia.

Jenkins has been the model of consistency during his time with the Bulldogs, totaling five sacks in each of his last three seasons in addition to 29.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage.

With Floyd coming off the edge on one side of the defense, the Gators had better hope David Sharpe is up to the task in handling Jenkins on the other.

What may be the deciding factor in the FLA/GA game is if Jenkins was able to get stronger in the offseason.

If that’s the case, his quickness/strength combination will eventually show up in the box score, something the Gators can’t afford to see.

Strengths

  • Another versatile Georgia linebacker. Can line up as a linebacker or a defensive end and still flash the same good speed and acceleration at either position.
  • Jenkins has the size you want in a NFL linebacker. Big enough to stop plays at the point of attack and but also quick enough to get to plays that are run off-tackle and towards the sidelines.
  • If given space, Jenkins quick-twitch moves are no match for opposing linemen; it’s the equivalent of watching Steph Curry dribble one-on-one against a power forward or a center.

Weaknesses

  • Probably projects more as a pass-rushing 3-4 linebacker since he doesn’t have elite chase down speed and agility.
  • Tends to get eaten up by bigger offensive tackles who can recover from his quick finesse moves.
  • Was a 5-star DE prospect coming into Georgia and while he’s played well, he hasn’t made the impact many expected. Has he hit his potential already?

What do you think? Was there anyone in the SEC that we missed? We want to hear from you!

Next: FSU Fans React Hilariously to Dismissal of De'Andre Johnson

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