Jenkins played for the
Michigan State Spartans between 1987 and 1990. During his final two years at Michigan State, Jenkins made five interceptions, returning for an average of 7.0 yards per interception. Jenkins was selected to the Minnesota Vikings during the third round of the
1991 NFL draft. In his rookie season with the Minnesota Vikings in 1991, Jenkins made one interception, returning it for the single touchdown of his career. During the
1993 NFL season, the Vikings' defensive coordinator,
Tony Dungy, remarked that Jenkins was "on his way to becoming an outstanding outside linebacker". In 1995, the St. Louis Rams signed Jenkins as a
free agent to replace linebacker
Joe Kelly. At the time, head coach
Rich Brooks complimented Jenkins on his "youth, speed and NFL experience", characterizing him as a "big-play production guy and an impact hitter". In 1997, Jenkins joined the
San Francisco 49ers, but was waived. ==Personal life==