Michigan football DT Kris Jenkins announces return for 2023
Michigan football defensive tackle Kris Jenkins is returning to Ann Arbor for the 2023 season, he announced on Monday morning ahead of the NFL Draft deadline. He has two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Jenkins had previously told The Wolverine he would return for the 2023 season, but ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that he was still in the process of deciding last week. Now we have some finality as he opts back in to a group looking for a national title next season.
“I already made a decision,” Jenkins said. “I definitely want to stay, for sure. I love this place. I want to continue to grow, continue to develop, continue to get bigger and stronger. I still have a lot more things I want to work on, and I feel like this place, Michigan, is perfect for me to do so.”
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has called him a “kid in a candy store” with his infectious energy and love for the game. Jenkins wants to take an even bigger step as a leader heading into 2023, too.
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“Absolutely, just taking that next step, maturing, being a leader,” the Michigan lineman said. “Not just by saying it, but also by doing it — leading by example. I want to be someone that the team can look at and just count on, no matter the situation. Not just a guy that’s going to say something, but a guy that’s going to step up when it’s necessary.”
Jenkins played in all 14 games this season for the Wolverines, racking up 54 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks and 2 quarterback hits. He is expected to slide back into his role up front for the Michigan defensive line.
The Wolverines have been able to retain most of their players on the fence about jumping to the NFL. EDGE Mike Morris and cornerbacks Gemon Green and DJ Turner declared, but guards Trevor Keegan and Zak Zinter, running back Blake Corum, wide receiver Cornelius Johnson and linebacker Michael Barrett all returned to the team. Michigan hopes that this will be a key development in continued pursuit of a national title after 2 years of playoff trips and nothing to show for it.
