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Email: "Big Reds’ Jenkins impressed with talent at U.S. Army Bowl"
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SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Josh Jenkins is enjoying every minute of his once-in-a-lifetime experience this week at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

On New Year's Day, Jenkins and his East all-star teammates went through the second of five straight days of two-a-day workouts in preparation for Saturday's noon game against the West team, which will be nationally televised by NBC at noon.

Jenkins is more than impressed with the talent on both squads.

"Speed, speed and more speed,' he said. "Everyone is so fast and so strong.'

Yet, Jenkins, a first-team USA Today all-American and the first West Virginia high school senior selected to participate in the game, is holding his own.

"I'm sore all over,' he said. "Yesterday was the first day since Dec. 1 (the day the Big Reds won back-to-back state championships) that I've had contact,' he said. "Today was much better. The contact was still there but my body knew what was coming. I played well today. Our line opened up some sweet holes.'

Jenkins has the pleasure of working with two of the nation's top quarterbacks — Terrelle Pryor of Jeanette, Pa., and Star Jackson of Lake Worth, Texas.

"Star Jackson is amazing,' Jenkins said. “He can run, and man, can he throw the ball. Our offense is pretty basic. We run some power plays and the jet sweep. Where it gets tough is the pass blocking. Our quarterbacks are so fast.'

Yet, as talented as is the East squad — coached by Robert Prunty of Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia — the West is every bit as highly-regarded. Observers in San Antonio have tabbed the West as the favorite.

The West defense is led by Michigan recruit Nick Perry of Detroit and Penn State recruit Mike Mauti.

"Their linebackers are great,' said Jenkins.

While it has been a lot of work, Jenkins also has had time for some play.

He spent New Year's Eve on the Riverwalk watching fireworks.

Wednesday's highlights include the East conducting a scrimmage and the East-West eating contest.

"I'll be ready for that,' Jenkins said.

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EDITOR'S NOTE: Parkersburg High School lineman Josh Jenkins is in San Antonio, Texas, preparing for Saturday's All-American Bowl. PHS assistant coach Mark McCullough, who along with Big Red head coach Bernie Buttrey is accompanying Jenkins, is providing periodic updates of their experiences.

 

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