Over the past three years, the Michigan Wolverines have seen numerous players embody a team-first mentality, and among them, defensive tackle Kris Jenkins stands out. The son of the former two-time NFL All-Pro with the same name, Jenkins arrived at the Wolverines as a relatively undersized and less-heralded three-star recruit. However, he departed as a well-rounded All-American with the potential to be a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
During his tenure in Ann Arbor, Jenkins, affectionately known as “The Mutant,” underwent a remarkable transformation. Through a dedicated commitment to self-improvement, he evolved into a versatile three-down player capable of excelling in both run defense and pass rushing. Jenkins became recognized as one of the most fundamentally sound football players in the nation.
Known by the nickname “The Mutant,” Jenkins lived up to the moniker by showcasing a physical prowess that matched his larger-than-life personality. His unselfish approach to the game was evident on every snap, consistently prioritizing the team’s objectives over personal achievements. Whether drawing a double team, disrupting offensive tackles to create opportunities for teammates, or making plays himself, Jenkins exemplified a commitment to the broader team strategy by focusing on meticulous details.
Despite his outstanding contributions, Jenkins departs Michigan as one of the quietest All-Americans in the program’s history, earning second-team honors from the AFCA and FWAA and third-team recognition from the AP, the Athletic, and CBS Sports. Remarkably, he may be the only Michigan All-American who was not considered the outright best at his position.
In 2021, as Jenkins became a regular in the rotation, he played alongside Mazi Smith, Christopher Hinton, and Donovan Jeter, tallying 22 tackles and 0.5 tackles-for-loss as a rotational player. The subsequent year, as a starter alongside first-round draft pick Mazi Smith and freshman sensation Mason Graham, Jenkins delivered his most impressive season with 54 tackles (the highest by a Michigan defensive tackle since 2017), 3.5 tackles-for-loss, and two sacks.
