Ventrell Jenkins, DT

Has started all 12 games for Kentucky at right defensive end … Was named the SEC's Defensive Lineman of theWeek for his two-sack, fourtackle performance against Mississippi State … Has made a career-best 39 stops this season, the fourth-best total on the squad and tops among the UK linemen … Made a season-high six tackles while also forcing a fumble against Florida … Notched at least three tackles in each of his last nine games.

Played in all 13 games … Started in the win over Louisville and pulled down a career-high six tackles against the Cardinals, including a quarterback sack … Made three stops in the victory over top-ranked LSU, including a career-high two sacks … Has a streak of at least one tackle in 15 consecutive games.

Played in 12 games … Got first career start vs. LSU and responded well, tallying six tackles and two for a loss … Had five tackles, two for a loss, and one sack vs. hometown school South Carolina … Had 19 tackles on the season.

Played in eight games … Made six tackles, highlighted by quarterback sacks against Florida and Vanderbilt.

Outstanding athletic prospect who was a dominant defensive force at Columbia (S. C.) HS … Two-year starter, playing linebacker, defensive end, and defensive tackle … Team went 11-3 his senior year and reached the state semifinals in Class AA … Played in 10 games as a senior and totaled 129 tackles, featuring 12 tackles for loss, eight quarterbacks sacks, two fumbles caused and two fumble recoveries … Also played some on offense at fullback and showed his athleticism with his ability to block defenders in the open field … Named all-region and All-Midlands area … Coached by Kemper Amick … "The first word that comes to mind when I think of Ventrell is relentless,'" Amick said. "He never stops. He is so explosive off the football. Once we moved him from linebacker to the defensive line he was almost unblockable." … Transferred to Glenforest School in Cayce. S. C., to complete his high school … Played basketball, baseball, and track there, helping Glenforest win the state championship in basketball … Ran the 400-meter dash and also competed in the shot put and discus throw … Chose Kentucky with final consideration to South Carolina and Clemson.

Born in Orangeburg, S. C. … First name is pronounced "ven-TRELL" … Son of Stacey Jenkins and Sandra Keitt … A cousin, Jamie Jenkins, played basketball at Coker College … Major is social work. Has put in extensive time as a mentor at Johnson Elementary School (2006-07) … Volunteer official at a youth tournament (2007).