DETROIT – Former UW-Stevens Point football standout
Jared Jenkins, a native of Milwaukee and a graduate of Rufus King High School, has signed an undrafted free agent rookie contract with the National Football League's Detroit Lions.
Jenkins, who went undrafted during the 2011 NFL draft in April, received news of the Lions interest shortly after the lockout ended in late July and was officially announced as a free agent signee of the team on Thursday, July 28.
Jenkins was a two-time All-American punter as well as the school's leading wide receiver during his career. During his senior campaign with UWSP, Jenkins hauled in 67 passes for 956 yards and 10 touchdowns. He finished his career as the school's second-leading receiver, amassing 273 receptions and 34 touchdowns.
Jenkins is the first player from the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference to sign as a rookie free agent since 2007, when Jesse Wendt of UW-Stout and Pete Schmitt of UW-Whitewater both signed with the Washington Redskins.
The Lions first day of practice was Friday, July 29.
Be sure to check back at athletics.uwsp.edu next week when we'll try and touch base with Jared, as his busy schedule permits. Fans can also follow Jared on twitter @JJinx124 and get updates.
