FIU Football: QB Keyone Jenkins Making Changes In Year Two

After a strong freshman year, Keyone Jenkins sights what changes he needs to make going into year two.

FIU Athletics

MIAMI - The FIU Panthers kicked off spring practice on Tuesday. One of the most notable changes came from sophomore quarterback Keyone Jenkins who gained about 12 pounds of weight.

"Keyone [Jenkins] has done real well," said FIU head coach Mike MacIntyre. "He's got some muscles now. I've been teasing him. He's gone from 180 lb to 192 lb, stronger and throwing the ball real well. He looked good out there today. He's had a good offseason and an excellent spring."

Jenkins, the Miami Central product, started in 11 games for FIU this past season and threw for 2,414 yards, 11 touchdowns, but 11 interceptions. 

For Jenkins, putting on the weight  meant a lot, given he was described as skinny and small throughout his recruitment process by other programs.

"Gives you that confidence," said Jenkins. "I want to say a little bit more stable. It also translates with my power and speed."

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Last season, the longest Jenkins could throw was about 60 yards. He believes now with his added muscle, he can go further than that. Jenkins mentioned that he would know in a couple of days when practices get more intense.

Along with adding more muscle, Jenkins spoke to how he wants to be a leader along with where he thinks he is at in that process.

"We were more locked in and we knew what our intentions were and went straight to the point," said Jenkins. "We want to come out and execute. The guys from last year that came back are more like leaders. Like myself, for example, I'm one of those leaders roles playing quarterback room."

Jenkins added that he has made it a point of emphasis to improve his leadership, stating "Right now I'm not great, but I will improve."

The sophomore quarterback also has support from his teammates, being called not only the best quarterback in Conference USA, but one of the best in the nation.

"There is no way this kid is a freshman," said running back Lexington Joseph when asked about his impression of Jenkins last season. "I was so excited to play with him, but I couldn't. I'm happy to have the opportunity to play with Keyone Jenkins. He's a great quarterback."

Senior linebacker Reggie Peterson mentioned that he needs to make Jenkins' practice hard on the defensive side of the ball. 

"My job is to make Keyone as best as he can," Peterson said Tuesday. "He's one of the best quarterbacks I've ever seen. In practice, my job is to give him a hard time. If I'm not giving him a hard time, then I'm not doing something right."

At the moment, Jenkins is the favorite to land the starting job and was working with the first team on Tuesday in offense vs. defense drills.