2012-GameRelease-Divisional

Player Feature Story
A.J. Jenkins thrilled with the chance to learn from Jerry Rice
By Tania Ganguli, The Florida Times-Union
The sound of his voice made it clear, A.J. Jenkins couldn’t believe how lucky he was.
Not that he got drafted in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. For that, Jenkins had prepared and hoped.
Although he didn’t expect it, he thought it was possible.
No, the stroke of luck Jenkins couldn’t believe was that which landed him in San Francisco and in the
purview of the greatest NFL receiver of all time.
The day after the 49ers drafted Jenkins with the 30th pick, Jerry Rice followed him on Twitter and Jenkins
wondered if he was dreaming. Within a week Rice began talking of taking Jenkins to the famous 2 1/2mile
hill to which 49ers veterans introduced him way back when he was a rookie.
“For him to even have the thought process to even have me around him and running hills with him, it’s an
honor,” Jenkins said. “I’m going to soak up everything that he’s going to tell me to do, any wisdom that he
gives me. And also Randy Moss. Two of the best receivers arguably that played the game are on my
side.”
Gifted with the best tutor a rookie receiver could want, the Jacksonville native, a graduate of Terry Parker
High School, began his NFL career last week when he flew to San Francisco for the team’s rookie
minicamp. Drafted higher than pundits and even Jenkins himself thought he would go, Jenkins set out
hoping to prove to the 49ers that they made the right move.
“I’m ready to work,” Jenkins said. “I’m not satisfied with being the first-round draft pick. I want them to
know I’m a person that’s ready to learn, ready to compete, I’m sure they’ll get that from me because that’s
stuff that I can control.”
On Thursday, Jenkins flew to San Francisco for his first minicamp. It was a harsh introduction to the NFL.
After the practice, 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh reportedly told reporters in San Francisco the rookie
receivers were out of shape.
“Out of shape, that’s the bad news,” Harbaugh reportedly said. “Good news is that it’s a very talented
group of those young receivers, could tell that right away.”
Jenkins’ talent was evident in his final season at Illinois – a breakout year. He posted some of the best
numbers of any receiver in the country in the first half of the season, using his speed, athleticism and
freakishly large hands to help Illinois to a 6-0 start.
When the team fell apart and finished the season 0-6, Jenkins’ production suffered, but that didn’t stop
NFL teams from spotting his ability. He visited with several teams, including the 49ers before being
drafted.
“Me and coach Harbaugh, we had a great time,” Jenkins said. “I met with him at the combine, too. We
talked about football and we just had a great bond, great vibe and everything.”
Jenkins didn’t have a draft party for the first round on April 26. He figured there was no use in having a
party and then sitting around all night not hearing his name called. In fact, when the 49ers called his cell
phone, Jenkins was in the bathroom. A cousin, who had prank-called him earlier pretending to be a team
wanting to draft Jenkins, literally knocked down the door so he could throw Jenkins’ phone to him.
Then Jenkins’ life changed.