Tennessee Vols defender reverses course on entering the NCAA transfer portal

VolQuest's Matt Ray reported on Tuesday morning that Jenkins is no longer entering the NCAA transfer portal. 

Jenkins never actually started the process of entering his name into the NCAA transfer portal. 

Jenkins, who will be a redshirt sophomore this fall, totaled four tackles in six games for the Vols last season. 

Earlier this spring, Tennessee defensive line coach Rodney Garner spoke glowingly of Jenkins while noting that he's happy that the defensive lineman is sticking around in Knoxville. 

"Jayson is a blue-collar guy," said Garner. "He comes to work everyday with his lunch box. He puts in the work. You have seen that guy grow in leaps and bounds. He has truly taken steps where he can have a role on this defense. He has the respect of his peers because no one has given him anything. He has had to work for every little thing he has gotten. 

"It's just like spring break. I am coming off knee surgery, so I had to come back and rehab. He didn't go anywhere. I am going in the training room, and he is out there everyday working out, working on his get off, working on bags, just putting in the work. He is just a blue-collar guy that wants to be a part of it. He is prideful about it. He loves this place. He wants to be here. I am sure he could leave and go somewhere. We are happy that he is staying, and we are excited about his expanded role that we expect from him this year."

Tennessee's defensive line is expected to be one of the Vols' biggest strengths in 2024. Jenkins return gives that position group some added quality depth.