UA All-American: Sterling Jenkins
Rivals250 offensive lineman and Pittsburgh native Sterling Jenkins
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joined fellow future Nittany Lion offensive lineman Ryan Bates in
receiving his jersey for the Under Armour All-American Game Thursday afternoon.
After Bates' presentation on Wednesday evening, the Under Armour team made their
way to Baldwin earlier this afternoon. Jenkins went on to make it clear that
once he learned more about the significance of the event, this was something
that's been circled on his calendar for some time now.
"Actually, I never really heard about the game before I started getting
recruited by some schools," Jenkins said. "Just from being recruited and stuff,
I learned about it and once I learned how big of a deal it is, that's when I
really wanted to be part of something like this.
"Now, I think it's really cool that I was invited to be part of this. I know
it's going to be a great experience going against some of the top players in the
whole country. I'm excited for it."
Since 2008, the Under Armour All-American Game has been the marquee event in
high school football. Over the years, current NFL stars like
just a few of the players to make a name for themselves in this game.
Jenkins made it clear that he's fully aware of some of the talent he'll be going
up against.
"I know there have been some amazing players that have played in this game and
for some of them, that was their first big chance to really show the world how
good they can be, so that's something else I'm looking forward to. Just getting
a chance to showcase my skills on a such a big stage before I get to
Penn State. I know that's just going to help me more in becoming a better
player."
At Penn State, James Franklin and his staff currently have six players
on the active roster that took part in the game. Last year, quarterback
Michael O'Connor and wide receivers DeAndre Thompkins and
Chris Godwin all participated, while current starting quarterback
Christian Hackenberg had his breakout moment in the 2013 game. That
game would've also featured tight end Adam Breneman had he not been
injured. Before that, redshirt junior offensive linemen lineman
Angelo Mangiro was Penn State's lone representative in 2011, while senior
offensive lineman Miles Dieffenbach played in the 2010 game.
So far, Jenkins is yet to speak with any of the current Penn State players that
previously played in the game, but he's fully aware of how that week in Florida
can play a slight role in potentially earning early playing time his freshman
year.
"I think it's definitely important for me to have a good showing. I know there
have been a bunch of guys that have played well in this game before and then
went on to have good careers at Penn State, so it's something that I hope to use
as a stepping stone for my career at Penn State then."
With three full months to go, however, Jenkins admits that all of his focus
currently is on Baldwin. More specifically, he's been learning more and more
about the importance of being a leader, not just along the offensive front, but
for the entire team.
"I've just been focusing more on improving from a leadership role. I kind of
used to think that it's hard for a lineman to be a leader for the whole team
since I'm not the one scoring and making plays, but I've been learning that
there are other ways that you can lead your team. You don't have to be the one
making all the plays to set a good example and stuff like that, so that's what
I've been focusing on the most this season.
"Just doing everything I can to help my team be the best they can be."
In addition to Jenkins and Bates, Penn State has two remaining committed
prospects in the Class of 2015 that will participate in the Under Armour
All-American Game. Quarterback Brandon Wimbush is expected to receive
his jersey during a presentation at St. Peter's Prep on Oct. 3, while defensive
tackle Adam McLean will receive his jersey during a presentation at
Quince Orchard Oct. 7.
This year's game will once again take place at Tropicana Field in St.
Petersburg, Fla. It will be broadcasted on ESPN Jan. 2.
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