Jenkins says...

[RicanBull]

That is they invite him to NY for the draft, he probably won't go and stay here with his family. (according to the Oracle interview)

Not a big deal, but I'm kind of disappointed that we wont see him walk up to the podium as his name is announced and represent USF's first ever 1st-round pick. I would of hoped that with such a big milestone for USF, he would of decided to go. But thats his choice.

[flsportsfan83]

That sucks..... I think he should go.

The invite alone tells me that he should be in fact the first corner taken.

[BullsWinBucsWin]

It's going to be a special time for him and his family.  If they can't all go, then I say stay with them.  They helped get him there, and I think it's great that he's showing his thanks for that.  Says a lot about his character to me, and that was, supposedly, one of the things that the pro scouts were doubting.

[Mama_Bull]

Here is the article and the entire quote:

prepares for life at the next level

Former USF standout Mike Jenkins talks about his future in the NFL.

Eric Moeller, Associate EditorIssue date: 4/24/08 Section: SportsPrintEmail Article Tools Page 1 of 1

Mike Jenkins finished his USF career with133 tackles and a school-record 47 defended passes (41 deflections, 6 interceptions). ORACLE PHOTO/SEAN REED

The 2008 NFL Draft will kick off at 3 p.m. Saturday and likely feature the highest drafted player in USF history.

Following a stellar senior campaign that included 41 tackles, 12 pass deflections, three interceptions and a school-record 100-yard kick-off return, Bulls cornerback Mike Jenkins earned All-American honors and became one of this year's top defensive back prospects.

Mock drafts have the cornerback being selected anywhere from No. 7 by the New England Patriots to No. 20 by Tampa Bay's own Buccaneers. If the Bradenton native is taken anywhere in the first round, he will surpass former USF linebacker Kawika Mitchell, drafted No. 47 overall in 2003, as the University's highest drafted player.

Despite a busy pre-draft schedule that has included visits to numerous NFL teams, Jenkins took the time to speak with the Oracle about the current state of the Bulls, his Draft-Day competition and his plans for Saturday.

The Oracle: You were on the sidelines watching USF's Spring Game last week. How did it feel being a spectator for the USF football team for the first time in four years?

Mike Jenkins: It was pretty good but at the same time I kind of miss it. In a way, it was a good way to finish up the year because I think I'm going toward bigger and better things - not necessarily better but more developed and established - and that's something that's going to be really good for me.

O: The team lost a big part of its defense with the graduation of linebacker Ben Moffitt and cornerbacks Trae Williams and yourself. How do you think the defense looked out there?

MJ: I think they looked really good. The defense I knew was going to be pretty good because of Coach Burnham. He's always hard on us regardless of anything. They have two corners and a linebacker they have to replace but I feel like they're solid at middle linebacker with either Tyrone McKenzie or Brouce (Mompremier) filling in, and I feel like Tyller Roberts and Jerome Murphy are pretty solid at the corners too.

O: With the departure of Trae Williams and yourself, USF's defensive backs - especially projected starters Roberts and Murphy - have some pretty big shoes to fill next season. How do you think they're going to do?

MJ: I definitely feel like they're going to be good. Tyller has been here for four years now. He came in as a true freshman and played behind me and Trae and I think he's been around long enough to step in as a solid corner and he definitely has game experience. Jerome is just a raw athlete. He'll probably be one of the best corner backs to come through the school if he just gets his technique down and learns how to study the game.

O: Obviously, Saturday is going to be a big day for you. How are you feeling as draft day approaches?

MJ: Aw man, I'm starting to get stressed, I'm starting to get excited, I'm feeling all kinds of things right now. I've been visiting some teams but, as the time winds down, I'm clueless about where I could go. I've heard everything from eight to 20, so hopefully I'll get to have a short day on Saturday and my name will be called early.

O: There have been a few mock drafts that have you going at No. 20 to the Buccaneers. How would you feel continuing your career at Raymond James Stadium?

MJ: I'd feel real good with that. I'd be able to get back to the fans and have a big fan base from here at South Florida. I was pretty much raised in Tampa from my freshman year and it's been about five years, so, like I said, the fans have always been good to me and hopefully if I get drafted there I could give something back to them.

O: Some scouts have Tennessee State's Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Troy's Leodis McKelvin ranked ahead of you as far as defensive backs in the draft. Do you wonder why cornerbacks from non-BCS conference schools are getting more attention than you when you competed at a higher level during your career?

MJ: Well, you know, those boys went down to the Senior Bowl, which I sat out of because of a hamstring injury, and they went there and I think they did a good job of proving themselves. But, there is a lot of talk out there about them going to smaller schools, so I don't know if that's going to effect them come draft day or not. They're all good guys and I'll be happy for all of them no matter how it turns out.

O: Some people might not know that you and Rodgers-Cromartie grew up together in Bradenton and have known each other for a long time. Do you guys still keep in touch?

MJ: Oh yeah. We talked pretty much every day when I was down in Orlando training and he was my roommate. He's one of my good friends. We've known each other since - I want to say 15 years now. We have the same agent. Coming out of high school, his school wasn't that good so he didn't get attention from a lot of big schools but he's a real good guy.

O: What are your plans for Draft Day?

MJ: Well they're probably going to invite me up (to New York), but I don't think I'm going to go. I think I'm just going to stay down here with my family and spend some time with my teammates before I head away from South Florida.

O: Are you planning to come back and visit USF at all later this year?

MJ: Oh yeah, I'll definitely be back. I'll be back for the practices and I'll be back to workout - that's just normal to me.

http://media.www.usforacle.com/media/storage/paper880/news/2008/04/24/Sports/Jenkins.Prepares.For.Life.At.The.Next.Level-3347090.shtml

[Velcro]

That sucks..... I think he should go.

The invite alone tells me that he should be in fact the first corner taken.

No, the invite doesn't mean that at all...  I don't blame him for not going after what happened to Brady Quinn... he doesn't have much to gain by going as far as when he is picked... other than the experience (which would be awesome i would think).

He could be picked anywhere from 7 to mid 20's.  I'd rather spend it with family and enjoy the day than sit up there stressed out waiting for my name and it not coming until way after what I was hoping for and looking like a dork like Quinn (albeit a rich dork)

[Bull Martin]

That is they invite him to NY for the draft, he probably won't go and stay here with his family. (according to the Oracle interview)

Not a big deal, but I'm kind of disappointed that we wont see him walk up to the podium as his name is announced and represent USF's first ever 1st-round pick. I would of hoped that with such a big milestone for USF, he would of decided to go. But thats his choice.

They didn't invite him.  He only said that if they did, he would most likely decline.  You're talking about something that hasn't and probibly wont happen.

[BULLfreak]

I agree with Velcro. You dont want to be that guy who is sitting and waiting untill the 20+ pick.

I would like to see him go at #20 to the Bucs but I dont see him being there

[sdgukhsdgl]

Im 99% positive he didn't get invited.  They only invited like 5 people... J. Long, C. Long, Dorsey, Ryan and Gholston  I believe were the only ones invited

[ChiTownBull]

i like this and it will help with recruiting just like it has always helped miami

O: Are you planning to come back and visit USF at all later this year?

MJ: Oh yeah, I'll definitely be back. I'll be back for the practices and I'll be back to workout - that's just normal to me.

http://media.www.usforacle.com/media/storage/paper880/news/2008/04/24/Sports/Jenkins.Prepares.For.Life.At.The.Next.Level-3347090.shtml

[Bullpride08]

Im 99% positive he didn't get invited.  They only invited like 5 people... J. Long, C. Long, Dorsey, Ryan and Gholston  I believe were the only ones invited

Says who?  They had like 15 at the draft last year.  Usually they don't invite guys until a few days before, aside from the really obvious ones, because they get composite feedback from the teams to decide who to invite and not to invite.  The thinking is they only want 1st rounders because after that the drafting speeds up and not enough time for the pageantry.  If you're invited your a lock for the 1st round, the only question as Quinn proved last year is where.