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In an exclusive interview with BlackandGold.com, former University of Georgia Defensive Line Coach Rodney Garner provides his perspective on why Jonathan Jenkins has a legitimate shot at making the Saints’ 2013 active roster.

B&G.com: Coach, we realize that this is active recruiting season, and we really appreciate your taking the time to do this interview.

Coach Garner: I’m glad to be able to do it. Even though I’m now coaching at Auburn, I coached the defensive line for the Georgia Bulldogs prior to coming here after last season.

B&G.com: Did Jenkins get a scholarship to play for the Bulldogs? And please straighten me out; I’ve seen his name a couple of ways. What does he go by: Jonathan or John?

Coach Garner: Yes, it’s John. He was actually one of the top rated Junior College players in the country when we offered him a scholarship to transfer to the University of Georgia.

B&G.com: What stands out to you about John as a player on the field?

Coach Garner: John has tremendous athleticism for his size. He is quick on his feet, and actually moves like a linebacker.


B&G.com: What stands out to you about John on the sidelines or in the locker room?

Coach Garner: Personally, everybody loves him; he has no enemies because of the way he treats others. He’s personable, and gets along with all of his teammates. People are drawn to him; he’s an outstanding talent. He has also overcome a lot of personal difficulties. He is truly an inspiration to young kids who may need someone to look up to.

B&G.com: Is there a present or past NFL player that John models, or reminds you of?

Coach Garner: I coached Richard Seymore on the defensive line, and John has a similar style of play. He’s light on his feet, and has a high ceiling for potential. The Saints will be pleased. He will work hard, and will certainly take his game to another level. I also coached Geno Atkins (DT for the Bengals), who has only been in the league for 3 years, and has already been to the Pro Bowl twice. I see the same level of play (potentially) for John. He (Jenkins) should have been a first rounder, and the Saints got a steal by choosing him. Another plus for John is that the Saints will NOT have to worry about his having a weight problem; he’ll stay fit during his entire time in the NFL.

B&G.com: Not all players make an NFL roster. What qualities about John give him a shot at the Saints’ final roster?

Coach Garner: John has NO OUTSIDE DISTRACTIONS; he will very focused and disciplined. He will show up early for practice, and also be one of the last ones leaving afterwards. Hard work is important to him. He is not selfish, and is very humble. Yes, they gave him the nickname “Motel 6,” but he never gets a big head.

B&G.com: Is there a game in John’s career that stands out as one in which he stood out as a stud player?

Coach Garner: There were several. The bowl game a couple of years ago vs. Michigan State is one where he not only played huge in the trenches, but he also came away with an interception. The game vs. the Florida Gators last year was also a stellar performance. During the second half of last season our team was hit with a rash of injuries to our defensive ends. John was so versatile and quick that we used him as a defensive end. He did an outstanding job.

B&G.com: Competition should be tough on the Saints at the Defensive Line positions. What is your prediction for John: a) starter, b) backup, c) practice squad?

Coach Garner: I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that I would be SHOCKED if John Jenkins was not a starter for the Saints in 2013. Yes, he is that good!

B&G.com: Any predictions on how the Saints will do now that head coach Sean Payton is back?

Coach Garner: I know Coach Payton personally, and he interviewed my for possibly joining his coaching staff (in 2006). Even though I didn’t get the position, I think Bill Johnson is an excellent coach and he along with head coach Sean Payton will have the Saints playing at a high level. Having said all of that, I believe that the Saints will be competitive as one of the top teams in the NFC.

B&G.com: Any final thoughts before we wrap up, Coach?

Coach Garner: Overall, I think the Saints will be very pleased with John Jenkins. He will be a model team member as a player, as a member of the local community, and as a person. I say again that the Saints got a top rated talent in John.

B&G.com: Coach Garner, on behalf of BlackandGold.com and Saints fans everywhere, thank you once again for taking the time to share your thoughts with us.

Coach Garner: You’re welcome; it was my pleasure.

Leighton B

I AM and ALWAYS have been exceptionally enamored with "big guys" who move like "little guys" It is a talent, it is a God Given Ability that very few ever allow themselves to be! Whether it is from a lack of willingness, passion, interest, or just plain laziness! I know one thing that usually gets them is others tolerance and lack of accountability from themselves and their teammates that they almost always get into bad habits! See in our self loathing and self satisfying society Bigger gened people are absolutely at a disadvantage "because of all our tolerated excuses or irrational self justifiable reasons why we can't or can do something whether it's good or bad positive or negative in our eyes! Bigger gened people just have to work twice as hard just to lose the same amount as a regular person! Now they also are burning fat slower "because the ratio of body fat is greater! So to lose the same percentage of body fat as a normal healthy person they Just have to suck it up and work harder!
I know that John's extra work he has and had to do to get where he is today WILL PAY BIG DIVIDENDS for him and the Saints as long as he can keep that simple but RIGHTEOUS ATTITUDE towards his craft and remember that He Loves The Game and not the Money that the Game allowed him to earn! As long as he stays humble and hungry he'll be great and I believe this guy is special!

Leighton B

And while Ive been enamored by Big guys who move like Little guys.
I am equally unimpressed with small guys who move like big guys "Roman Harper" there are a few more in the league but NONE AS UNATHLETIC AND SLOW pound for pound than Roman he is absolutely lucky Williams's defense made him rich and famous but also made him eventually get exposed as the garbage "on the field" he is as a football talent now he was and is extremely instinctive and used to be tougher and alot more determined but his failures have robbed him of his joy to the point of what seems like no return "unless some miracle or alot of injuries happen! I have a feeling Jim Leonard is here though!

Halo

He will be a BEAST!!!!

alexonfyre

This is why I like B&G. If it weren't for this place I probably would have been pissed about the draft for a few weeks and then gone into the pre-season thinking about what no-names we have. These threads have me actually excited that every single player we got could turn into a star! Sometimes its nice to put on the rose-tinted glasses

FinSaint

Thank you Stealthman for the great interview!




Jenkins will undoubtedly be a good addition to the NT rotation and if he indeed has very good work ethic as stated by his former coach - then I do see him developing into a very good D-lineman for the Saints.

hagan714

nice job. now i sit and hope all that feel good stuff is true. because if it is Bunk is one more DT/NT away from freeing up more cap space in a couple of years

homerj07

Ok I guess it's just me. I saw a few good things but overall he just looks like a REALLY BIG guy who can push, some & get pushed, some.

TheOak

We have a UPS delivery truck with the track agility of a Porsche.

Win win!

Crusader

Great interview, fantastic read.