05-04-2008, 12:09 PM
|
#1 (permalink)
|
|
Momma McNabb
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Jeffy's house
Posts: 12,476
|
Rookie CB is primed, ready
Quote:
IRVING – When Mike Jenkins asked his uncle, Tracy Sanders, what it takes to become an elite cornerback, he was told one thing: Talk to Prime.
Video
Draftees, free agents work out
5-3/2008
More Cowboys video
View larger
E-mail Clip
More Video
Cowboys Videos
Emmitt Smith visits Dallas Cowboys' minicamp with advice for Felix Jones
Dallas Cowboys rookie minicamp: Day 2
DMN sports writers discuss Dallas Cowboys rookie minicamp
Prime as in "Prime Time" – Deion Sanders, the former Cowboys All-Pro cornerback.
Jenkins, from South Florida, was considered one of the top cornerbacks in last week's NFL draft.
Jenkins figured he would be among the top 20 choices, but he fell and the Cowboys traded up to get him at No. 25.
After he was drafted, Jenkins received a text message from Deion Sanders saying to call him when he got to town.
"He's a Florida guy and he likes helping out Florida kids," Jenkins said of Deion Sanders between Cowboys minicamp practices Friday. "He's been a great mentor to me, and through the whole [draft] process."
Tracy Sanders played cornerback with Deion Sanders – no relation – at Florida State. So Tracy saw first-hand the work Deion put in, on and off the field. When told Jenkins was serious about football, Deion Sanders made the move to mentor him.
"You have to look out for each other," Deion Sanders said. "Tracy told him if you want to get to the next level you have to do ABC, and you need to get with Prime."
Jenkins has done it so far.
Last season, Jenkins was a first-team All-Big East selection. In 13 starts, he recorded a career-high 41 tackles, knocked down 12 passes and had three interceptions.
Jenkins has speed and leaping ability the Cowboys like.
"A smooth athlete," defensive coordinator Brian Stewart said.
In college, Jenkins played mostly man-to-man coverage. With the Cowboys, he will play less man-to-man, but if outside linebackers DeMarcus Ware and Greg Ellis can get consistent pressure on the quarterback, it could create opportunities for Jenkins and the other cornerbacks to force turnovers.
Dallas Cowboys / NFL
Dallas Cowboys Blog | Forum
Widgets: Dallas Cowboys Blog
Inside the Dallas Cowboys:
Archive | Subscribe
Video: Draftees, free agents work out | Talking minicamp
Rookie corner is primed, ready
Man-coverage not a comfort zone for Williams
Another season, another position for Carpenter
Dallas Cowboys' 2008 draft bios
More: Cowboys | Draft
In addition to his close relationship with Deion Sanders, Jenkins also considers Cowboys cornerback Anthony Henry a mentor.
Like Sanders, Henry, who attended South Florida, texted Jenkins after he was drafted. But Jenkins could one day take Henry's starting position
"To me, it's a job," Jenkins said. "Everybody is coming out here and trying to help the team. Anthony's been here a long time. We all know that, and if I do beat him out, he will understand that. He's still going to help me out and he's not going to stop doing that."
But that's down the line. For now, Jenkins has a lot to learn, and talking to Henry and Sanders could help send him on his way.
"I have 50 guys that I mentor," Sanders said. "When you have a guy with a lot of talent and he wants to be a student of the game, you want to help him. He's a bright intelligent kid who wants to be the best."
|
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcont...e.33069e4.html
__________________
|
|
|
Rookie CB is primed, ready
Linear Mode
