BOILING SPRINGS – Gardner-Webb added an important piece to its 2019 recruiting class Friday, as Georgia Class 4A State Defensive Player of the Year Jamari Jenkins signed a National Letter of Intent to play for the Runnin' Bulldogs.

Jenkins (5-11, 180) starred on both sides of the football at Eastside (Ga.) High in Covington, but will play defense in college.

The versatile standout led his team to a 12-1 record in 2018, earning first-team All-Area honors from the Covington News at receiver and cornerback. He was a Class 4A All-State choice by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the Georgia Sportswriters Association (GSWA) – in addition to earning Class 4A State Defensive Player of the year honors from the GSWA.

"Jamari was a heavily recruited young man who has a bright future on and off the field," said head coach Carroll McCray. "He has a knack for making big plays and will be a big help for us in the secondary. I enjoyed getting to know he and his family during the recruiting process and was impressed with his character and poise."

Jenkins, who runs the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds, finished his senior season with 81 total tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss, an interception and five pass break ups on defense. He hauled in 26 passes for 372 yards and six touchdowns at receiver.

In addition to his All-State accolades, Jenkins was named Region 4-AAAA Defensive Player of the Year in 2018. He returned three punts for touchdowns and had 50 stops on defense as a junior in 2017.

Jenkins originally committed to play at Division I FBS South Florida and chose Gardner-Webb after considering scholarship offers from Ball State, Kent State, Bowling Green, Liberty, Navy, Florida A&M, Mercer, Chattanooga and ETSU during his senior season.

Jenkins is the 23rd member of the 2019 Gardner-Webb football recruiting class.

Jamari Jenkins * 5-11 * 180 * DB * Covington, Ga. / Eastside HS
Played at Eastside (Ga.) High under Coach Troy Hoff … Led team to a 12-1 record Versatile standout who starred on both sides of the ball … Runs the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds … Named 2018 Class 4A State Defensive Player of the Year by the Georgia Sportswriters Association (GSWA) … Also a first-team Class 4A All-State choice by the GSWA ... A 2018 first-team Class 4A All-State selection by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution … A Class 4A All-State selection by RecruitGeorgia.com … Named 2018 Region 4-AAAA Defensive Player of the Year … A first-team All-Area selection on both sides of the ball by the Covington News … Finished season with 81 total tackles (46 solo), 10.0 tackles for loss, one sack, one interception and five pass break ups … Also recovered and caused a pair of fumbles … Caught 26 passes for 372 yards and and six scores on offense in 2018 … Also named preseason 2018 Class 4A All-State by the AJC following a strong junior campaign … Compiled 50 total tackles (38 solo), five interceptions and six pass break ups as a junior in 2017 … Caused a pair of fumbles and recovered two fumbles … Also had a blocked kick to his credit … Returned three punts for touchdowns in 2017 … Caught 23 passes for 278 yards and a score as a junior … A native of Miami, Fla., and originally committed to FBS South Florida … Also held offers from Ball State, Kent State, Bowling Green, Liberty, Navy, South Florida, Florida A&M, Mercer, Chattanooga and ETSU.