DE Malik Jenkins Commits to Washington State

Malik Jenkins is the first defensive end to commit to Wazzu for the class of 2013 and the second player the Cougars have picked up in the month of July. Jenkins is rated as a two star prospect according to Rivals and Yahoo Sports and currently holds offers from Houston, North Texas, Rice and Stephen F. Austin. The defensive end is listed at 6’3″, 225 pounds and will most likely redshirt his freshman year at Washington State. When you think of this kid, athleticism is what comes to your mind. In high school he not only plays defensive end, but tight-end as well.

Watching his highlight tape, he isn’t the fastest or strongest player on the field, but has great pass rush moves that allow him to get to the quarterback with ease. Jenkins will be used at linebacker and defensive end, whatever position that will set him up successfully to rush the passer. A player who plays a similar style as Malik Jenkins would be the Seattle Seahawks 2012 first round draft pick, Bruce Irvin from West Virgina. Irvin is used mostly as a pass rusher and lines up as a linebacker and at times a defensive end. Jenkins does a nice job stopping the run as well which will be key for when facing teams like Oregon, Stanford and now Arizona with Rich Rodriguez installing his spread offense. Once the pass rusher puts on weight and improves his speed, he could become a key player for the Cougars in the future. His junior year at Ennis High School (Texas), Malik Jenkins recorded 21 tackles and 10 sacks.

WSU’s newest recruit being from Texas shows Leach is still recruiting down south. Jenkins is the third player from Texas to give a verbal commitment to Washington State for the 2013 class. (Four if you include Trevor Walker who two weeks ago decommited from Wazzu and is exploring his options.) I imagine Leach to continue to not shy away from Texas and land some more talent from the lone star state.

Here is Malik Jenkins’s highlight tape:

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/470039/highlights/10166377

Credit to huldl.com

Photo Credit: The Ennis (Texas) Daily News

–Evan Baron (@BaselineBaron09)