Gainesville, FL, United States – Florida junior cornerback Janoris Jenkins, widely projected to be a first-round pick in April’s NFL draft, announced his decision Monday to return to school for his senior season.
Jenkins, 22, has been a starter all three of his seasons since arriving in Gainesville. He missed the Outback Bowl 37-24 win over Penn State due to a shoulder injury.
His decision to return is expected to boost a young Florida secondary that would have had just one returning starter had Jenkins decided to leave. Junior free safety Will Hill already had declared for the draft.
Jenkins, who became just the second true freshman in school history to start at cornerback in his college debut, will be working with rising red-shirt Jeremy Brown, who started 10 games last year.
Meanwhile, rising sophomore Matt Elam is expected be tabbed to replace out-going senior strong safety Ahmad Black, while Hill’s spot will likely be filled by junior Josh Evans.
Jenkins has amassed eight career interceptions in his stay with the Gators, including three this season.
In 2010, he appeared in all 12 regular-season contests and was Florida’s leading punt returner, averaging 8.3 yards on 18 returns.
