A.J. Jenkins

Jenkins, who was also recruited by Florida, Florida State, Miami and South Carolina, was one of the more heralded recruits brought to Illinois by Ron Zook. He saw immediate action in 2008 as a true freshman, playing in all 12 games, including one start (11-287-3). He started three games in 2009 as a sophomore, but saw his production drop a bit (10-123-1), missing two games with a knee injury. Jenkins started nine games in 2010 and finished as the team's leading receiver (56-749-7). However, he really emerged in 2011 as a senior, posting team-highs in every receiving category, including a Big Ten-best 84 receptions for 1,196 yards and 7 TDs. Jenkins isn't a burner or consistent vertical threat, but he plays fast and with a degree of confidence. He is more quick than fast and covers a lot of ground in the short half of the field and is slippery after the catch. He has a lanky frame and will be overmatched physically by most cornerbacks in the NFL, but should be a solid underneath option. Jenkins doesn't appear to have the strength or natural speed to hold up on the outside as a pro, but could develop into a solid No. 3 or 4 for a team if he becomes more disciplined as a route-runner and devotes himself to the game of football.

jenkins has similar build and playing style as the former illini, but not the same type of ball skills and polish.

-- Dane Brugler

strengths

Jenkins is a balanced athlete with good body control and hand/eye coordination. He plays fast and can create after the catch. Jenkins does a nice job finding soft spots in zone coverage and will immediately turn upfield after the reception. He catches the ball with his large, soft hands and is tough, showing the ability to hold onto the ball after a big hit. Jenkins is a much improved route-runner with sharp moves in/out of his breaks and good field awareness. He uses his body movements to sell routes and makes plays at all levels of the field. Jenkins has a very good feel in coverage and has deceptive jets to gain a step and track the deep ball downfield. He put together a strong senior resume, leading the Big Ten in catches (84) and emerged as Illinois' go-to option through the air - producing at least four catches in every game in 2011 and set a new single game school record with 268 receiving yards (vs. Northwestern, 10/1/11).

nfl comparison

Brandon Lloyd, Rams

weaknesses

Jenkins has only average size with a narrow body type and a lean, lanky frame. He needs to spend more time in the weight room and get stronger. Jenkins' lack of strength has been exposed in a few jump-ball situations and he needs to be more competitive in tight coverage. He tends to round off some patterns and will get lazy in this area, choosing instead to abandon his routes and freelance at times. Jenkins will hold the ball too loose from his body and needs to improve his ball security and cut down on fumbles. He will try and make body catches at times, which will lead to drops. Jenkins has some experience as a kick returner, but isn't overly effective or reliable in this area. The Florida native has struggled in poor weather games, especially snow. He got into a few spats with former head coach Ron Zook and the rest of the Illinois coaching staff, so pre-draft interviews will be crucial to answering any effort or character concerns.

2009: Missed two games with a knee injury.

Four-star recruit according to Scout.com

Named to the Atlanta Journal Constitution's Super Southern 100 as the 10th-best wide receiver

PrepStar All-Region

SuperPrep All-American

Rated the No. 36 wide receiver nationally by Scout.com

Caught 41 passes for 515 yards, scoring four touchdowns as a senior

Also rushed for another 251 yards on 40 carries in 2007

Florida Times Union Super 24

Named to Scout's Florida Top-50 team

Ranked the 59th-best recruit in the state of Florida by Rivals.com

Rated the No. 53 wide receiver nationally by Rivals.com

Finished his junior year with 32 catches for 500 yards

Has a 38-inch vertical leap

Chose Illinois over Florida, South Carolina, Miami, Georgia Tech and Florida State

High school coach was Greg Stanton.

Son of Sandra Brice and Alfred Jenkins Jr.

Full name is Alfred Alonzo Jenkins

Born Sept. 30, 1989.