UCF landed another big instate recruit when receiver Carl Jenkins Jr. of St. Augustine announced his commitment to the Knights.
Jenkins announced his intentions Saturday to sign up for coach Gus Malzahn‘s program instead of USF, Louisville, and Mississippi State. His pledge gives the Knights 11 commitments for their 2025 recruiting class.
“I just want to thank all my family for supporting me throughout the journey,” Jenkins said during his announcement, livestreamed on Instagram. “The journey isn’t over, so we’re just going to keep going.”
The 6-foot-3, 177-pound Jenkins is a two-sports standout at St. Augustine High School, playing varsity basketball and football. He averaged 9 points and 4.3 rebounds in 22 games on the hardwood during his sophomore season for the Yellow Jackets. As a two-year starter on the gridiron, Jenkins amassed 1,714 yards receiving on 85 catches with 23 touchdowns in 23 games.
Last season, he led the team with 1,172 yards receiving on 60 catches with 15 touchdowns in 14 games. His performance ranked among the top 20 in the state in receiving yards and yards per catch (19.3).
Jenkins is listed as a 3-star prospect according to 247Sports’ composite rankings, which combines ESPN and Rivals.com rankings. He’s the No. 548 overall player in the country and the No. 86 overall receiver in the class.
He’s the third receiver to commit to the 2025 class, ranked 45th-ranked team in the country according to 247Sports’ composite rankings, joining Santonyo Isaac (Tampa) and tight end Caden Piening (Cincinnati).
All verbal commitments are non-binding but can become official during the early signing period in December.
Matt Murschel can be reached at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com
