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Michigan football defensive tackle is a man on a mission

This Michigan football defender came back to Ann Arbor with a mission in mind.

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Michigan football, Kris Jenkins, Jesse Minter
Dec 31, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Max Duggan (15) passes against Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Kris Jenkins (94) in the second quarter of the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday morning, second-year defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who had an incredible year during his first season with the Wolverines, had a chance to speak with the media. There, Minter pointed to Michigan football defensive tackle Kris Jenkins as a breakout player for the coming season, stating that he is a man on a mission and more.

Michigan football defensive tackle Kris Jenkins is a “freak”

Many coaches and players have spoken highly of senior Michigan football defensive tackle Kris Jenkins — he has been described as a “freak,” and was even called one of the best players in college football leading up to the new season, especially since he is now listed over 305 pounds. With a bigger and better role waiting for him this fall, Jenkins appears poised to lead the Wolverines’ defense to another incredible year, maybe even establishing himself as a top 224 draft choice along the way.

Defensive play-caller Jesse Minter comments on Jenkins

Here is what Michigan football defensive coordinator Jesse Minter had to say about Kris Jenkins on Thursday morning at Schembechler Hall.

“Kris is playing really, really well right now,” said second-year defensive coordinator Jesse Minter on Thursday morning. “The great thing about Kris — last year he got some accolades, he probably could have gone to the NFL and maybe been a day two draft choice. But he came back with a mission of ‘these are the things I want to get better at.’ Number one, to really, really hold up, I need to get my weight up to a certain amount.

“But really, number two, to really, really be a guy that they really want high up in the draft — not at a 325 maybe like Mazi (Smith) but out of 300-305, ‘I need to also be an elite pass rusher.’ I know I’ve heard him say it, the obsession that our guys have with it, but that is real.

“Kris has been obsessed with being better as a pass rusher since the day he stepped back here on campus. And it’s showing up. So he’s moving really well, he’s still the same player against the run with 20 extra pounds. Watching him battle with (Zak) Zinter and Key (Trevor Keegan), those are really fun, elite matchups that are really the best on best in college football, and so it’s great every day to be able to go against those guys and Kris to be able to iron his game against players like that. I expect big things from this year.”



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