Meet the Jets' UDFA: EJ Jenkins, TE, Georgia Tech (49)

After three schools in six years, undrafted hidden gem has chance to impress as tight end with Jets

Author:
Ralph Ventre
Publish date:
May 8, 2023 9:58 AM EDT

In this story:

New York Jets

Saint Francis U Red Flash

South Carolina Gamecocks

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

The well-traveled EJ Jenkins is trying to make Florham Park his new home.

The undrafted free agent has played for three different colleges in six years, showing intriguing ability at each stop along the way.

The 6-foot-6 Jenkins, a three-star recruit out of Chancellor (VA) High School, kicked off his collegiate career at Division I FCS member Saint Francis in Loretto, PA.

Playing for former NFL All-Pro offensive guard Chris Villarrial, who has transformed the program during his tenure as head coach, Jenkins eventually blossomed into an all-conference performer at the small school located about 45 miles from Penn State.

He red-shirted the 2017 campaign before playing sparingly in 2018. Jenkins enjoyed a breakout performance for Saint Francis in the 2019 opener en-route to leading the conference in touchdown catches.

When going against FCS competition the lengthy receiver frequently lined up on the outside and showed the ability to take the top off the defense. In the season-opening 14-13 road win over Lehigh, Jenkins blew past the secondary and hauled in a bomb that went 75 yards for a touchdown. He finished the game with 125 yards on five receptions.

Jenkins averaged 20.0 yards per catch in 2019, pulling in 39 passes for 779 yards and 13 scores in 12 games.

When Saint Francis opted out of the 2020 COVID-affected season, Jenkins hit the transfer portal and landed at South Carolina. He made 12 appearances for the Gamecocks in 2021, but did not become a primary option on offense.

Jenkins moved onto Georgia Tech for the 2022 campaign. The sixth-year senior, who usually made good use of his height and strong hands to win contested catches, totaled 17 receptions for 316 yards at the Atlantic Coast Conference member. He scored a touchdown in a 26-21 win over nationally-ranked Pitt (Oct. 1).

The under-the-radar draft prospect boosted his value through a noteworthy Pro Day performance.

Jenkins, who bulked up and moved to the tight end position after transferring up to the Power 5 level, recorded a 4.62-second 40-yard dash. He boasts an elite 82-inch wing span to go along with solid marks in the vertical jump (32”) and broad jump (10’ 2”).