GAINESVILLE -- Jelani Jenkins' size has spawned plenty of doubts that he can be an effective middle linebacker, but defensive coordinator Teryl Austin doesn't have any.
A 6-1, 223-pound redshirt freshman, Jenkins has played himself into a position battle with Jon Bostic, who carries 15 more pounds and more closely resembles the prototypical middle linebacker.
Austin still hasn't settled on who will start, but Jenkins has impressed with his speed.
``I don't care what they think,'' Austin said. ``I know what he does for us.''
You can count freshman Neiron Ball as another linebacker on his coach's good side. Austin said Saturday that Ball would see plenty of playing time.
``He's got a chance to be a dynamic player with a little seasoning and stuff, but he's one of the young guys that stood out during camp,'' Austin said.
A 6-1, 223-pound redshirt freshman, Jenkins has played himself into a position battle with Jon Bostic, who carries 15 more pounds and more closely resembles the prototypical middle linebacker.
Austin still hasn't settled on who will start, but Jenkins has impressed with his speed.
``I don't care what they think,'' Austin said. ``I know what he does for us.''
You can count freshman Neiron Ball as another linebacker on his coach's good side. Austin said Saturday that Ball would see plenty of playing time.
``He's got a chance to be a dynamic player with a little seasoning and stuff, but he's one of the young guys that stood out during camp,'' Austin said.
