Jan. 9, 2008

MEMPHIS, TENN. - University of Memphis head coach Tommy West announced the signing of defensive lineman Colton Jenkins to a National Letter of Intent during the mid-year signing period. Jenkins will join the Tigers on the field this spring.

Jenkins, 6-6 and 290 pounds, originally signed with Mississippi State out of Winona (MS) Secondary School in February 2007. He transfers to the U of M from Holmes Community College where he started five games this past season before being sidelined with a shoulder injury. Jenkins will be a sophomore for the 2008 football season.

"We are excited to have Colton and his family in our program," said head coach Tommy West. "He is a perfect fit for us and will fill some needs for us on defense."

Jenkins lettered three seasons at Winona and played on both sides of the ball as a senior. He was ranked among the top 60 offensive linemen in the Southeast by PrepStar recruiting magazine in its season-ending yearbook. He was also listed as the No. 18 prospect in the state following his senior season by Rivals.com, and was the fourth-best offensive lineman in their listing. As a senior, he had 80 tackles and three sacks while playing defensive end. He also graded out at 82 percent as a member of the offensive line en route to being named first-team All-State for Class 3A. In addition, he was invited to play in the Mississippi All-Star Football Classic.

Jenkins will join quarterback Arkelon Hall and wide receiver Steven Joachim on the field this spring. Hall and Joachim signed with Memphis on December 19.