Signee profile: Cody Jenkins

By Drew Champlin

Published: June 7, 2009

At 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, Cody Jenkins stands bigger than most Troy football players. But he’s already different than the majority of college freshmen. Jenkins showed up for summer classes and workouts at Troy last week sporting his wedding band. He and wife Melissa got married May 23, just two days after he graduated from Beauregard High School. The two have a daughter, 15-month-old Ka’Leigh. (photo credit Opelika-Auburn News)

DREW’S THOUGHTS: Jenkins is a big young man and it doesn’t look like fat, either. After a summer of strength and conditioning, he could put himself in position to see some playing time, even though that’s unusual for freshmen offensive linemen. He’ll play offensive tackle for the Trojans and with a shortage of healthy bodies coming out of spring, he’ll fight for a chance in the rotation. But with young kids, it depends on how they pick up the system. If you look at him, you wouldn’t think he’s just 18. He’s dealt with adversity in his high schol years but seems to be handling it the right way. He, his wife and daughter live in the dorms for married couples. They’ve been living together for a year raising Ka’Leigh, Jenkins said.

At what weight do you want to be playing?
300-305. I think the weight training’s going to make me do that.

What number do you want to be?
I was number 78 in high school. A number doesn’t really matter to me, it’s just how you play.

Where would you be if football wasn’t in the picture?
Honestly, probably nowhere. That’s the reason why I stayed in school. I just got in football about three years ago. I was about to quit school and a coach asked me to come out.

If Troy wasn’t in the picture, what school would you be at now?
Troy was pretty much it from the beginning. A lot of other schools came in, but I didn’t want to go anywhere else.

When did you realize Troy was right for you?
I talked to some of the coaches when they offered and I really wanted to come here.

Describe your playing style
Quiet until someone makes mad, and when I get mad ... I’m going to hurt somebody.

What makes you mad on the field?
Anything. Anyone downing me or downing my teammates.

Favorite food?
As big as I am, I don’t have a favorite food. Everything’s good for me.

Hobbies?
I don’t have much time for hobbies with football, school and my family. Every time I see football and basketball, I’m watching that.

Family activities?
We’ll go out and watch a movie or go bowling, go out to eat.

Freshman goals?
I’m hoping to play, but obviously for a freshman, the odds are against me, but I’m hoping that coming in early helps. My goal is to at least make the travel squad.

Major?
Education, so I can do football and teach.

***PHOTO NOTE - sorry, that’s all I could find. It’s him reacting after a loss.