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Jenkins Has A Memorable Day

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By JOEY JOHNSTON

jjohnston@tampatrib.com

Published: November 8, 2008

Wide receiver Michael Jenkins,

midway through his fifth season with the Atlanta Falcons, had one of his most memorable games last weekend in a 24-0 victory at Oakland.

Two receptions, two touchdowns.

Jenkins, who played at Leto High and was an integral part of Ohio State's national-championship team from 2002, isn't considered Atlanta's primary pass-catching threat. That distinction goes to Roddy White.

But the Falcons are delighted with Jenkins' production - 18 receptions for 323 yards and a 17.9-yard average that ranks eighth in the NFL - and are motivated to keep him playing at that high level.

Just ask Terry Robiskie, Atlanta's receivers coach.

"I won't tell you anything that I haven't told Jenkins, but every day of our lives with him, we've got to keep working on being physical, physical and physical," Robiskie told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "Being able to fight and beat and get after the other guys.

"Like I tell him, he's too much of a pretty boy. Mike's too busy right now trying to be a model. I think that's what his goal in life is, to catch a couple touchdowns and then put his face up on the billboard. I think he's hoping some modeling agency picks up on that."

Ouch!

As long as rookie quarterback Matt Ryan keeps throwing in his direction, Jenkins will take his position coach's "advice" in stride.

Jenkins, a 6-foot-4, 215-pounder who was a first-round pick (29th overall) in 2004, beat former teammate DeAngelo Hall on a 37-yard scoring reception at Oakland (Hall was since cut and has signed with the Redskins). He added another TD on a 27-yard corner route.

Most of this season's opportunities have gone to White (48 catches, 733 yards, five touchdowns), but Jenkins has done well with his chances.

On Ryan's first NFL pass, Jenkins caught a 62-yard touchdown. His last-second catch set up a winning field goal against the Bears.

"He has made some real big plays," Falcons coach Mike Smith said.

Jenkins, with the second two-touchdown game of his career, wants that trend to continue.

"We're going to run the football first," Jenkins said. "When we do that, it opens up the passing game downfield. It's making the most of every ball that comes your way. Bring in every catch."

RETURN ENGAGEMENT: Alabama junior CB Javier Arenas (Robinson) had the game of his life last season against LSU - 237 all-purpose yards, and a 61-yard score on a punt return. The No. 1-ranked Crimson Tide (9-0, 5-0 SEC) play at LSU (6-2, 3-2) today, and no doubt, the Tigers' special teams will be wary. Arenas ranks fourth in the SEC and 13th nationally with a 13.37-yard average on punt returns. He has four career punt returns for touchdowns, tying the school record of David Palmer (1991-93).

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Former Bucs WR Alvin Harper, a Frostproof native, is in his fifth season as offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach at Howard University. Harper, who was wide receivers coach of NFL Europe's Rhein Fire in 2005, finished his NFL career in 1999.

Reporter Joey Johnston can be reached at (813) 259-7353.

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