Michigan lineman Kris Jenkins made changes to help the defense
Michigan has had its share of late bloomers who continued to progress to play their best football at the end of their careers. Sometimes, it just takes experience. Other times it takes a bit more.
Third-year lineman Kris Jenkins arrived at Michigan as a 235-pound stand-up defensive end. Last year, he bulked up and provided key minutes on the defensive line, usually at the five-technique.
This year, he’s being asked to help replace Chris Hinton, who surprised and declared for the NFL Draft. He’s taken the challenge seriously, having added significant weight to his frame. He’s done it with the help of the nutritionists and strength coach Ben Herbert and the staff, along with some self-discipline.
“I was able to put on 15 pounds of muscle,” he said. “I’m 277 pounds, still looking to build on that depending on how I play. We’ll see if I can’t get to 285, 290, 295. We’ll see. Right now, I feel great and look great.
“I definitely notice when I’m in the interior … nose, tackle, defensive tackle. I definitely feel it compared to last year — I feel more stable and a lot stronger. I feel a lot more comfortable in that position. It’s been a huge help.”
For both his future and the team’s.
Last year, Jenkins and the interior linemen were asked to occupy blockers while Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo cleaned up in the pass rush. This year, more will be expected of Jenkins and all the others in all capacities.
“Coaches are telling us, ‘There’s not going to be another Aidan. There’s not going to be another Ojabo,’” Jenkins said. “They’re saying, ‘But there is going to be a Mike Morris, a Taylor Upshaw, a Mazi Smith.’”
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And yes, a Kris Jenkins.
“Of course, we’re going to need to step up to the plate because we lost good talent this year,” Jenkins continued. “But we’ve also got good talent to build off. So, it’s one of those things where it’s like, ‘oh, we don’t copy them, but you up your game, too.’
“We’ve got talented guys that are willing to step up. … We’re willing to do whatever it takes to fill that role. And I think that’s definitely going to take shape from all of our guys across the board.”
New defensive line coach Mike Elston has been a huge help in that respect. While Shaun Nua was a great teacher of technique and fundamentals, Elston has been more about the big picture, Jenkins said. That’s helped the line make huge strides this spring.
“He’s teaching me a lot more of the aspect of football as a whole, chipping away at football IQ more,” Jenkins said. “Now I’ve been able to observe stuff about the offense I before wouldn’t take time to notice. That’s helping me play faster, play quicker.
“It’s been a big help. He’s got great energy, and he’s fun to work with. It’s exciting.”
Time will tell what it will look like this fall. But Jenkins and his linemates are taking the challenge seriously, ready to prove there is life after Hutchinson and Ojabo.
