Central Michigan University Athletics
Football--A Jenkins Family Tradition
Sept. 9, 2002
Energetic, outgoing, and silly. That's how Central Michigan University senior defensive end Cullen Jenkins (Ypsilanti/Belleville) describes himself.
His decription must be right on the money since 19 of his teammates tabbed him as 'funniest teammate' for the 2002 season.
Jenkins claims his dad is also comical, and a big kid at heart.
"I can always hear my dad whistling in the stands at games even if I can't see him," said Jenkins. "He gets pretty excited."
Jenkins wants to follow in his father's footsteps by teaching elementary education.
Cullen has already maintained the family tradition by playing college football.
Darome Jenkins, Cullen's father, played for Eastern Michigan University and Kris Jenkins, Cullen's older brother, played at the University of Maryland. He currently plays for the Carolina Panthers in the National Football League.
Despite both being in training camps, Cullen and Kris are able to talk a few times per week.
"I'm trying to match what he did his senior year at Maryland," said Jenkins. "He's a defensive tackle and I'm a defensive end, so we have a lot to talk about."
One play Jenkins is especially proud to talk about was his first sack two years ago against Kent State University. His sack came in overtime and caused a fumble. Teammate Darvin Lewis (Detroit/Sr.) picked up the ball and almost scored. Unfortunately, the Chippewas weren't able to pick up the win.
Jenkins is building on an impressive three seasons on the defensive unit with the Chippewas. In his career at CMU, Jenkins has totalled 57 solo tackles, 44 assisted tackles and seven quarterback sacks for 33 yards lost. He saw time on the field as a true freshman and is starting as a defensive end for a third-straight year in a maroon and gold uniform.
In the 2001 season, Jenkins tied a team-best in quarterback sacks with five for a loss of 32 yards.
The Ypsilanti native is fortunate to have his brother and dad to talk football with since his fiance, Pashun, picks up on only the basics of the game.
"Pashun is really short so she doesn't see much of the game and I never see her in the stands," said Jenkins. "She's understanding, though, when it comes to football. She knows the time committment involved to the team in addition to taking classes."
Another part of Jenkins' life that needs special attention is his daughter, Jasmine. She is two-and-a-half years old, and has helped Cullen learn to manage his time wisely.
"Having Jasmine helped me reevaluate my responsibilities and where my time needs to go," said Jenkins. "Pashun and Jasmine are supportive of my football career which makes life easier."
After Jenkins graduates from CMU, he would like to move back to the Ypsilanti area where he is from. Living in a popular football community, Jenkins hoped to play college football but his chances were limited when he was injured in the first game of his senior year of high school.
"I only played in three games my senior year and two were the last two games of the season," said Jenkins. "Central offered me a full scholarship despite my injury."
The 6-2, 250-pound defensive end played fullback in high school and has made many adjustments since his days at Belleville.
"When you first start playing college football you need to have balance because you are on your own and you're tired from football and school," said Jenkins. To younger players, Jenkins says to make sure that you're ready to devote the time and committment to work hard everyday on and off the field.
Since Jenkins has been through the ranks, he's learned to always expect a lot from himself and to manage his time wisely. "This year I'm learning to adjust to take on a leadership role. I know I can do it and I can't get tired," said Jenkins. "It's my turn now to take charge and push hard through every play to set standards."
If Cullen works as hard as his expectations and experience have shown, the Chippewas will be stronger with him on the defensive side of the ball.
The goals and expectations he set for himself and for the team are high. "I'm hoping to earn All-Mid-American Conference honors this year and a MAC championship," said Jenkins.
With his easy-going attitude, past success, and sound football advice from his father and brother, Jenkins' future shows great potential.
By Andrea Wieczorek, Sports Information Writer/Editor