Tough, durable Jenkins has just kept on playing
UNM senior poised to set school record with 51st game
Even if the moment happened in slow motion, and it partly felt as if it did, New Mexico offensive lineman Aaron Jenkins wouldn’t have had time to react. It all actually happened so fast. A defensive teammate tackled a Lobo running back into Jenkins’ leg during a practice in August. This type of play would create thoughts that “the streak” would come to an end. But Jenkins is too mentally strong to think of that, and quite honestly, as he’ll admit, he is extremely fortunate.
Jenkins missed just a week after what could have been a horrific injury. Now, he is set on Friday to break the UNM record for most games played, when the senior right guard and team captain will play in his 51st. The Lobos (3-7, 1-5 in Mountain West Conference) play host to No. 23 Boise State (8-2, 5-1).
Jenkins will be making his 49th start, a UNM record, and he’ll be one away from tying the school record of 50 consecutive games played.
He has the third-longest active consecutive-start streak in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision, behind Wisconsin’s Michael Deiter (51) and Northern Illinois’ Max Scharpin (49).
“I’ve been blessed, and I’ve just been rolling through these 50-plus games,” Jenkins said after Tuesday’s practice. “It was a sprained MCL (in August). Wasn’t too bad. I was out for a week. Thank God for these (leg) braces, or I would be done. It looked pretty bad ... I’m fortunate to still be up and walking.”
Jenkins currently shares the record for most games played at UNM with Steven Romero, David Anaya, Marquis Bundy, Jhurrell Pressley and Jason Sanders.
Jenkins has provided an example of perseverance with his remarkable feat during the Lobos’ challenging season. In addition, he is delivering perhaps his best season while playing for UNM. He has played 691 snaps this season, and has allowed just six total pressures (one sack, one hurry and four hits).
Jenkins hasn’t been injury-free. He injured his shoulder in his second game as a freshman and was out for the year. He received a medical redshirt.
Week to week throughout his college career he has also endured various injuries, including pain in his ankles.
“I’ve always played with bad ankles,” said Jenkins who was featured in the Journal in September before the Lobos beat rival New Mexico State. “This is the first year, knock on wood, that I haven’t had any sore-to-sprain ankle issues. I’m just fortunate to be able to play at a high level every single Saturday, close to 100 percent. I’m grateful.”
Jenkins recognizes Friday will be a special game, but he said he is approaching the contest just as any other game. He remains hungry for a win, just as the rest of the Lobos are amid a five-game losing skid, and desperately wanting to avoid last year’s finish of seven consecutive losses.
Jenkins would be OK if there wasn’t any attention on him or the record. It’s just another week.
“He is an unselfish guy,” UNM coach Bob Davie said. “We saw it when we recruited him. I saw it when Texas Tech came in late before the signing date but he had committed to us. I’m glad he’s getting the recognition ... I appreciate him so much. I really do. He deserves every bit of recognition he’s gotten.”
Next week will also be a meaningful game for Jenkins, who will close out his college career at home against Wyoming. His mother, Lisa, who has been dealing with breast cancer, will be making the trip from Texas to watch her son play. She also went to the Lobos’ game at UNLV, where UNM won 50-14.
Jenkins’ older brother, Sam, and a couple of cousins are also coming and will spend Thanksgiving together next Thursday. They plan to reserve a hotel suite with a kitchen to fit everyone in for a big meal.
“My family,” Jenkins said for what he has to be thankful. “My mom, she has breast cancer. I’m just fortunate to have them by my side. I’m fortunate for her to be able to come out here and watch me perform to the best of my abilities.”