Based on a pair of social media postings, a significant piece of Miami’s defensive puzzle won’t be available at all this coming season.
Last night, Rayshawn Jenkins wrote on Facebook that he "[w]ill not be playing this season but I wish my boys the best.” The defensive back added that he “would do anything to be out there with them but everything happens for a reason.”
Later, Jenkins’ sister, Elise, wrote the following on the same social media site: “Prayers out to my big bro. He will not play this season for he will be preparing for next season. God has much more in store for him and he is far from finished.”
Miami has yet to confirm the reports or address Jenkins’ status moving forward. Additionally, the exact nature of the injury is unknown, although a back issue is the speculation.
Regardless, it would be a huge blow to Miami’s defense in general and its secondary specifically.
As a true sophomore last season, Jenkins started 12 of the 13 games he played at safety. His three interceptions were tied for second on the team, while he was a solo second with five passes broken up.
Jenkins, a three-star member of The U’s 2012 recruiting class, played in 10 games (two starts) as a true freshman that year.