Our latest Diamond in the Rough featured athlete is 2025 DE De’Reyon “DJ” Jenkins Jr. DJ attends Salmen High School in Slidell, Louisiana, and he has had a 3.6 GPA during his time there, which shows he’s dedicated on and off the field. He stands 6’3 and weighs 190 pounds, which helps him speed past the offensive line whenever needed. Jenkins earned second team all district with his performance during his sophomore season and is only looking to improve for his junior year. DJ is loading with talent and speed coming off the edge, and the fact that he has two more years left in high school shows how talented he could truly be some day. DJ also attended our recent Elite Camp, held at Northshore High School, and he showed the coaches present some very impressive things about his game.
DJ recently received his first offer from Grambling University on June 15, take a look:
I also had the opportunity to speak with DeReyon, and he had some interesting things to say about himself and this coming season.
What age were you when you started playing football and why did you continue to do so over the years?
“I started playing football when I was about seven. I just wanted to try it out at first, but then when I started playing more I just started to love it”
Do you play any other sports or is or only football for you?
“I play football and also do powerlifting as well.”
Specifically as a defensive end, what is something that plays as a strength for you?
“I would think my height especially.”
During this offseason, what are some things that you think you can improve for next season?
“My body size and my strength”
I saw recently that you got an offer from Grambling, so first off congratulations, but how has the recruiting process been for you, and are you receiving interests from any other schools?
It’s been good so far, and I do have some other interests. ULM has contacted me recently, the Southern Miss coach also reached out to me too. I also have been getting stuff from Nicholls and their coaches too.
What are you trying to get out of this season? Any goals?
My goal for this season is to just ball out, I feel like if we all ball out then everything else will just fall into line. There are lots of stuff that goes on throughout the season, and we there is no point in worrying about it and just ball out. I’m just going to do me.”
How has it been for you playing at Salmen, and do you think it’s a good fit for you?
“I like it a lot, I like the coaching staff a lot, so I think it’s a good fit yes”
Are there any players you watch or model your game after?
“Kayvon Thibodeaux, most definitely.”
How do you balance football and school?
“I try and get my schoolwork done while I’m still at school, so I won’t have left to do after practices.”
How do you prepare yourself for a football game?
“I just sit there and listen to music and take in the moment as much as I can.”
How would you say your teammates describe you?
“I’m a real funny guy, so they would probably describe me like that. I like to joke around a lot, but will be serious whenever it is needed on or off the field. And I work very hard and want everyone to notice me doing so.”
Do you have a role model in your life?
“Honestly, my mom because she is a strong woman. She always supported me and taught me a lot of things in my life and has set a good example of how to be a good person, even going as far as to do her best to show me how to be a good man.”
