Star defensive tackle seeking big leadership role for Wolverines

Michigan football is returning a lot of experienced starters for the 2023 season. Star defensive tackle Kris Jenkins was one of the Wolverines who decided to return to Michigan football instead of declaring for the NFL Draft. For what will likely be his final season, Jenkins wants to be a team leader for the Maize and Blue.

Star defensive tackle Kris Jenkins wants to be a team leader in 2023

Last season, Jenkins had 54 total tackles and two sacks. He was later recognized as an All-Big Ten honorable mention. Entering his fourth season with the Wolverines, Jenkins has big plans regarding his clubhouse presence.

In a recent episode of Michigan Athletic’s Those Who Stay series, Jenkins discussed his personal goals for the upcoming season. Jenkins said, “I just want to be more of a leader. I wanna be able to help lead guys out of the fire… that starts with not only being the better leader but being a better person.”

As for why he decided to return to Michigan, Jenkins made it clear that education comes first. Jenkins said, “First off, foremost, gotta get the degree. Gotta get my education, gotta finish that strong.”

Michigan football is “home” for Jenkins

In addition to earning his education, Jenkins discussed how Ann Arbor has become a home. Jenkins said, “Really why I decided to come back is, this is my favorite place to be. The family here, what we got going here, the culture here, everything that we’ve been building up to this point. This place is my home.”

“This place is my home and I didn’t want to leave home” 〽️ @KrisJenkinsJr1#GoBlue | @cheezit pic.twitter.com/Rsp9ZL6eG9

— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) June 7, 2023

He also expressed his appreciation for the people surrounding Michigan football, saying, “You know I do it for the people, whether it’s my family, the fans… I try to do it for them every day.” Jenkins will be starting at defensive tackle again in 2023 and will carry a huge clubhouse presence for this Michigan football team.

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