Scouting Report: Sterling Jenkins

Pittsburgh (PA) Baldwin offensive tackle Sterling Jenkins (image via Twitter)

Name: Sterling Jenkins
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 305 lbs.
High school: Pittsburgh (PA) Baldwin
Position: Offensive tackle
Class: 2015

Notes: Holds offers from Michigan, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Toledo, Virginia, and West Virginia . . . ESPN 4-star, 82 grade, #6 OT, #75 overall . . . Rivals 4-star OT . . . Scout 4-star, #4 OT . . . 247 Sports 4-star, 95 grade, #6 OT, #84 overall . . . Attends alma mater of former Michigan All-Big Ten lineman Damon Denson

Strengths: Long, lean frame despite already being 305 lbs. . . . Pass protects with a nice, wide base and low center of gravity . . . Displays ability to kick set quickly and maintain good posture . . . Shows active feet and ability to shuffle laterally with defenders . . . Can be an overpowering blocker . . . Difficult for defenders to disengage from once he latches on

Weaknesses: Could improve initial punch to neutralize pass rushers . . . Needs to keep elbows tighter to body and inside frame to increase punch power . . . Run blocks with a rounded back . . . Bends at the waist when releasing to second-level blocks, decreasing his lateral mobility . . . Base can get narrow in run blocking mode

Projection: Left tackle. Jenkins has the natural ability to play blindside tackle at the next level, although he lacks the natural athleticism of the truly elite left tackle prospects. He struggles to bend at the knees consistently, which prevents him from gaining maximum leverage and turning into an absolutely dominant run blocker; that would likely prevent him from playing guard at the next level, especially in a power blocking scheme like Brady Hoke supposedly intends to run. At this stage, Jenkins is a more advanced pass blocker than run blocker. Once he develops his upper and lower body strength, he could turn into a 6'8", 320 lb. all-conference-level tackle.

Reminds me of: Erik Magnuson.

Likelihood of choosing Michigan: 247's Crystal Ball has him at 89% Michigan and 11% Ohio State. He visited Michigan in late July, and the coaches appear to be holding off a little bit in pursuit of other 2015 linemen because they seem fairly confident that Jenkins will choose the Wolverines.

Highlights: Jenkins has some highlights from his junior season up on Hudl.