8/16/2007 football Edit

Big summer for Jenkins

Jerry Meyer

Rivals.com Basketball Recruiting Recruiting Analyst

2009 four-star prospect John Jenkins of Gallatin (Tenn.) Station Camp High School didn't even think he would start for his new travel team this summer. As it turns out, Jenkins, a 6-foot-4, 175-pound shooting guard, had a monster July solidifying himself as a high-major prospect.

After putting up huge numbers for the YOMCA Tennessee Tigers at the NIKE Peach Jam, Jenkins finished the month of July in Orlando, averaging over 30 points per game over the last four games of his team's run to the Super Showcase 17-under Silver Division championship.

"I didn't really see myself having the kind of summer I had," said Jenkins. "I didn't even expect to start, since I was playing for a new team. I knew I had the ability to play this well, but I didn't expect the summer to go this well."

With his sudden ascent as a national prospect, Jenkins hasn't yet garnered any offers but a host of schools including Tennessee, Florida, Mississippi State, Kentucky, Clemson, Missouri, Cincinnati and Alabama are showing serious interest.

At this point Jenkins doesn't have any favorites, but he did name Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida, Mississippi State and Clemson as schools he would like to visit. A couple visits could take place early this fall, but once the high school season begins, Jenkins will put his recruitment on the backburner.

"I just want to win the state tournament," he said. "That's all I care about. I don't want thinking about college to get in my way. The AAU season is the time to think about recruiting."

Jenkins, who is the No. 96 ranked prospect in the class of 2009, averaged 21.4 points per game as a sophomore.

John Jenkins scouting report:

A prototypical high-major shooting guard, Jenkins shoots the ball with the best of them. He also compliments his deep shooting ability with a deceptive shot fake and strong two dribble game. Not the quickest player, Jenkins does use his length and intelligence to defend and rebound. Improving his strength and improving his ball handling are key areas where Jenkins can expand his game.