Miami Central’s Keyone Jenkins commits to Auburn
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – Shortly after Miami Central won a heartstopper against Miami Northwestern on Friday night, Rockets quarterback Keyone Jenkins was asked about his recruiting process.
Specifically, he was asked about Auburn University.
The Rockets’ left-handed throwing senior signal caller couldn’t hide his emotions when asked about receiving an offer from the Southeastern Conference school.
Jenkins spoke with excitement about his recruiting, and he stopped short of chanting, “War Eagle!” to the media.
“I dreamed about going to Auburn since I was young,” Jenkins said.
Along with Auburn, Jenkins said he had also drawn interest from Florida International University, Western Carolina, Towson University, Alabama State and Morehouse College.
Ultimately, it was the lure of Auburn and playing in the SEC was too great to pass up.
On Saturday, Jenkins announced via social media, that he was committing to Auburn.
On his @LyghtzO Twitter account, Jenkins proclaimed: War Damn Eagle!
The news was not surprising, especially since Jenkins spoke about his offer from Auburn on Friday night after Central held off Northwestern, 34-30, in the Class 2M-Region 4 playoffs at Nathaniel Traz Powell Stadium.
Considering Auburn was the first Power 5 school to make him an offer, Jenkins admitted to being stunned by the opportunity.
“Definitely. I was really surprised,” Jenkins said. “But I knew that it was bound to happen. I’m a humble kid.”
Jenkins has been the leader of nationally-ranked Central, which is seeking its fourth straight state championship.
The left-hander rallied the Rockets (12-0) from 14-points down in the first quarter, and two-points down late in the third quarter in their close encounter with Northwestern.
Jenkins rushed for three touchdowns in the comeback.
“He’s always been a leader,” Central coach Jube Joseph said. “He’s always been a guy for us. We knew coming in, he was a guy who had to step up and take over the game. He’s does that consistently, week-in and week-out.”
Next up for Central is Miami Norland on Friday at Traz Powell.
In the regular season, Jenkins threw for 1,565 yards and 22 touchdowns, according to stats on Max Preps. Additionally, he rushed for 148 yards, and four touchdowns.
With the season on the line on Friday, Jenkins powered his way to three touchdowns.
Jenkins averaged 171.7 all-purpose yards a game.
Because so many of Central’s games have resulted in blowout wins, the starters didn’t play much in the second half.
Central is loaded with Division-1 caliber players.
The Rockets feature defensive end, Rueben Bain, who has yet to commit.
Bain also is considering Auburn.
Central wide receiver Lamar Seymore is committed to Pittsburgh.
Jenkins said all the schools he considered are looking at him to play quarterback.
“I’m very patient,” Jenkins said. “I stayed patient throughout this whole recruitment process. God did his work.”
Jenkins says he has followed Auburn football for years.
He grew up watching highlights of Auburn legend and former Heisman Trophy winner, running back Bo Jackson. He also was a fan of more recent Auburn Heisman Trophy winner, quarterback Cam Newton, and former AU quarterback Bo Nix.
“I used to watch a lot of Bo Jackson highlights,” Jenkins said. “Then I started watching Cam. I was watching Bo Nix.”
Central’s success has raised Jenkins’ stock, especially after it beat IMG early in the season.
“College coaches are starting to realize that I can play in that Power 5,” Jenkins said. “Beating a team like IMG. A lot of kids there go D-1, Power 5. I’m starting to open more eyes.”
