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2027 Pearland (TX) defensive lineman DeMarco Jenkins recently picked up offers from Texas Tech and some of the Red Raiders' in-state rivals. Inside the Red Raiders caught up with Jenkins about his recruitment and interest in Texas Tech.
Last week was a monumental one for Jenkins in terms of picking up scholarship offers from many of the major college football programs in the Lone Star State. Both Texas Tech and TCU offered Jenkins on Tuesday. Baylor and Houston followed suit the following day and then Texas A&M offered him a scholarship on Thursday.
"It was pretty insane. I had already been talking to Wesley Harwell from Tech—he had been trying to get me down there for a couple of games or a junior day event, but unfortunately, I couldn't make it," Jenkins said. "A couple of weeks later, TCU came down to my school (Pearland High) to watch us work out. Thankfully, after a great conversation, they offered me. That night, after posting about my offer, Brian Nance told me to give him a call. After another great conversation, he informed me that I had received an offer from Tech as well."
In addition to the offers mentioned above, Jenkins also received ones from the following schools last week; Arizona State, San Diego State, Tulsa and UNLV. The Horned Frogs and Red Raiders kicked off the offer rush for Jenkins, though, who described the surreal experience.
"It was truly an electrifying experience to receive my first two offers on the same day," Jenkins said. "I honestly couldn't believe it was real. I'm incredibly grateful to Coach Z (Texas Tech defensive line coach Zarnell Fitch) for giving me the opportunity to showcase my skills at the next level. I also appreciate him taking the time to sit down with me for a one-on-one conversation and getting to know me personally. It was a life-changing experience that I'll never forget."
Though Jenkins' recruitment is just getting started he knows what he's looking for in a future school and college football program.
"I'm looking for a school that is disciplined, hungry to compete, and will give me the best opportunity to provide for my family," Jenkins said. "Here at Pearland, Coach Gotte has truly shaped us into the standard. He has taught us that there's more to life than just football—how to become men, how to be great fathers, and how to be the best versions of ourselves. I want to surround myself with those type of people."
Jenkins, a 6-foot-3, 280-pound defensive lineman, tallied 27 tackles, seven stops for loss, three sacks and eight QB hurries this past season as a sophomore at Pearland. ITRR asked Jenkins to describe his game and what he brings to the field.
"I definitely bring explosiveness and a great get-off," Jenkins said. "For someone weighing 280 pounds, I move quickly off the ball and use that to my advantage, especially against stronger and bigger opponents. I'm also a quick learner—I like to study my opponent, understand their movements, and analyze their get-off to give myself the best chance of success."
As for his recruitment by Texas Tech, Jenkins said Coach Fitch sees him as a 3-tech/defensive end in the Red Raiders' defensive scheme. Jenkins also discussed his future visit plans to Raiderland.
"I definitely intend on visiting Tech in the future," Jenkins said. "I'm not sure exactly when, just because of how far the school is from Houston, but I definitely plan on coming by. The environment sounds amazing and the coaches are welcoming."