Jenkins in center of it all for MSU
When it comes to Mississippi State’s 2017 offensive line, Elgton Jenkins is now, literally, front and center.
Jenkins, now a junior, has played all over the line since his arrival in Starkville. He has already started games at both tackle spots, as well as left guard. When this season starts though, he’ll be the Bulldogs’ newest center. Jenkins is prepared to excel in that role.
“I am ready for it,” Jenkins said. “It really wasn’t a tough transition or anything rough. I am just snapping the ball now and going from a two-point stance to a three-point stance.”
Jenkins is one of the key cogs of what could be a strong MSU front. Martinas Rankin, possibly a high National Football League Draft pick next spring, is the projected starting left tackle. Several other veteran linemen are in the running for the guard positions including Deion Calhoun, Darryl Williams and Michael Story. The only place on the offensive line with inexperience will likely be right tackle where redshirt freshmen Stewart Reese and Greg Eiland are competing.
Right in the middle of it all though will be Jenkins. He began the transition to center last December as the Bulldogs practiced for the St. Petersburg Bowl.
MSU offensive line coach John Hevesy was impressed at what he saw both then and now.
“The first thing I always look for at center is can they communicate,” Hevesy said. “They’re the center of everything. In all my years doing this, that guy is going to set both sides. To me, (Jenkins) has a great knowledge of the game. He’s communicative and likes to talk. He did a great job at
bowl practice at that, so to me, he’s got the right to acknowledge what’s going on. He was playing different positions already. It’s not much of a transition for him going in there. It’s going to be wonderful watching him.”
If Jenkins can keep up the good work, that would go a long way towards helping the Bulldogs improve upon last year’s late-season success when MSU’s offense, particularly the ground game, started clicking on all cylinders.
Jenkins says continued success will take an entire group effort.
“We really just have to be real nasty in camp,” Jenkins said. “We have to start real nasty and keep it going.”
Jenkins has already set the standard for the unit. With his move to center, Jenkins is sending the message that he’s willing to do whatever it takes to win.
“I just want to help the team the best I can,” Jenkins said. “If my coaches say I fit a particular position better, I’m going to be ready.”
Jenkins’ mindset and skill set is exactly why Mullen thought Jenkins was just the man to handle center and spearhead MSU’s front. The Bulldogs could have placed the responsibility on another lineman’s shoulders, but in Jenkins, State feels it has the right guy in the center of it all.
“He is a veteran guy and a pretty smart football player,” Mullen said of Jenkins. “He can get all the right calls made for the line and put everyone in the right position. He has the athletic ability to be able to do it.”