He was named the South Carolina Coaches Association Upperstate AAA Lineman-of-the-Year, Daily Journal/Messenger Player-of-the-Year and was an AP All-State.

Jenkins was rated as the 27th defensive tackle in the nation, and number one player in the state of South Carolina by Rivals.com.

After Adam Carriker was placed on injured reserve, Jenkins had his first career start in Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

[9] On July 28, 2013, it was announced that Jenkins would be suspended for the first four games of the 2013 season due to violating the league's substance policy.

[11] The following week, he recorded a full sack on quarterback Colin Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers.