Drew Jenkins - St. Mary's High School

rsz_img_4940.jpg

Full Name: Andrew Laurence Jenkins

Age: 17

Height/Weight: 5’10”, 177lbs.

Parents: Juanita & Aaron Jenkins, Sr.

Siblings: Tre Jenkins

Year in School: Senior

School: St. Mary’s; Stockton, CA

Coach: Tony Franks

Jersey Number: 4

Position: Defensive Back (Cornerback/Safety)

Hudl: Andrew Jenkins

Instagram: drew.04

Twitter: Drew__4

 

Drew Jenkins epitomizes the definition of the term, “scholar/athlete”.  With a cumulative GPA of 4.4, he has aspirations of playing D1 football and pursuing a Law degree to become an attorney.  He is also driven with a “can’t-stop, won’t-stop” attitude exemplified by a round-the-clock work ethic. He describes himself as family oriented and simple, admitting, “I love spending time with my family and playing with my puppy.”

 

Playing football since the age of 7, he also runs track and enjoys playing pick-up basketball games.  “I grew up in Stockton, CA. My Dad’s family was always involved in sports, so I’d always been around it and had a desire to play from an early age,” he admits.  “My determination comes from my Dad who is my inspiration. He attended the University of Washington on a full-ride and has always told me that he wanted me to be better than he was, so I always pushed to be better in whatever I dedicated myself to.”

 

Drew also has a twin brother, Tre, whom he has played football alongside for the last 10 years.  They are close, but competitive in positive way. “Describing my relationship with Tre…well, it’s the closest bond that anyone could ever have.  He really is my other half and my backbone,” reveals Drew. “He pushes me and makes me the best player I can be, but he’s also there for me to pick me up when I’m down.  Tre is my biggest inspiration.”

 

How do you successfully juggle the demands of school, practice, and games?

My parents have always pushed academics first and sports second, so I’ve been conditioned to this agenda and it comes easy, but sometimes, it comes with long nights and early mornings.

 

What are your strengths physically and mentally as a Defensive Back (Cornerback/Safety)?

Physically, I am strong for my size.  I am 5’10” and 177lbs., but I bench 295 and squat 325.  I also play great technique that accompanies my speed. Mentally, I watch hours of film studying my opponents’ tendencies.  This gives me an edge. I also know everyone’s job for the defense, including the front 7, not just the secondary.

 

How have you improved as an athlete from year to year?

I’ve improved as an athlete each year by putting in more and more work.  As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized that to succeed and get to the next level, the amount of work needed to be done would increase.

 

How do you prepare for football on and off-season?

I train hard all year round.  In the off-season, I train with by DB Coach, Eric Crocker who is a former New York Jet.  I also train with my weight trainer, Mike Lewis, who is also the track coach at St. Mary’s.

 

What is your philosophy on discipline?

I believe one should be able to enact self-discipline because that is truly how you will better yourself.  I work a lot of hours without a coach and without self-discipline, my work wouldn’t pay off.

 

What motivates you to play well during a game?

I always want to play first and foremost for God and just that motivates me.  I also think about every play being the play where a college coach sees and decides, “We need this guy!”.

 

What is one word or phrase that you hope your teammates use to describe you?

“Leads Our Defense”

 

What is the biggest lesson that football has taught you and how can you apply that to real life?

The biggest lesson that football has taught me is that if you stay driven, pray, and put in the work, blessings will come and that same lesson can be applied to real life.

 

What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to face this year as a student or athlete and how did you overcome this challenge?  

I’ve always had to overcome the doubt of my skills and living alongside my brother, I’ve always felt like I’m expected to play at his potential.  Proving people wrong has always been my challenge.

 

What is your biggest regret of the season?

Definitely losing to Folsom High School in the Division 1 playoffs.

 

What is the biggest lesson that you've learned from your coach this year?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned from Coach Franks is to appreciate every moment of my sports career.

 

3 words to describe yourself:

  • Driven

  • Committed

  • God-directed

 

3 words that others would use to describe you:

  • Opinionated

  • Uplifting

  • Well-rounded

 

3 little known facts about you:

  • I maintained a 4.86 GPA my junior year and have never had a grade lower than an A

  • I want to major in Law and become a lawyer

  • I’m a twin

 

What is your most memorable moment of the season?

Playing Mater Dei at Levi Stadium – it was breathtaking!

 

What is the worst thing about playing with your twin brother, Drew?

Trying to play as well as him.  It’s impossible.

 

Most memorable moment together in football?

The funniest memorable moment:  Tre and I always find a way to run into each other in the game and knock the ball away from each other!

 

The most serious memorable moment:  Looking at the scoreboard after the Folsom game (after losing in the Division 1 playoffs) and shedding some tears that we might not ever play together again.

 

Is there anyone that you'd like to thank or acknowledge and why?

My Mom and Dad and my relatives have always been there to support me.  But most of all, my brother Tre is really there through everything and is there for me to talk to and vent.

B-Wall