Bulldogs Jenkins now has numbers to match his potential

STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI - Justin Jenkins has always had the makings of a standout wide receiver: a sturdy 6-foot-1 frame packed with strength, speed and athleticism. <br> <br> This season, the Mississippi State senior has numbers to match his vast potential. <br> <br> Jenkins has been the best player on the struggling Bulldogs (1-4), leading the Southeastern Conference in just about every receiving category. <br> <br> He has 37 catches for 576 yards and seven touchdowns heading into Saturday&#39;s game against Memphis. He&#39;s one more good game away from reaching career highs in every category. <br> <br> So, what&#39;s the difference? <br> <br> ``I would say I&#39;m more focused and trying to be a leader on this team,&#39;&#39; Jenkins said. ``When you become a leader on a team you tend to play well and you want to lead by example, as well.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> Jenkins came to Mississippi State from Pearl High School as a quarterback. The Bulldogs were intent on moving him to another position and he wanted to play offense, so he ended up at receiver. <br> <br> He had a solid season in 2001 as a sophomore, catching 42 passes for 661 yards and a school-record eight touchdowns. But it seemed that for every nifty catch and big play, there would be a dropped pass and botched pass pattern. <br> <br> Last season, injuries caused his numbers to fall off (28 receptions, 273 yards and no TDs). And still there were times when he just couldn&#39;t hold on to the ball. <br> <br> Now, those drops have become rare and he&#39;s become a more polished receiver. <br> <br> He runs sharper routes and has learned how to outmuscle defenders. <br> <br> ``I feel like with my size I can use that to my advantage against a lot of smaller DBs,&#39;&#39; he said. ``When the DB is very timid they kind of play back a little bit and that kind of helps me get out of my cuts quicker and look for the ball.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> Bulldogs quarterback Kevin Fant saw a difference in Jenkins during the summer. <br> <br> ``Every time I was around here he was like, &#39;Kevin throw it to me.&#39; He was always wanting the ball, trying to get better,&#39;&#39; Fant said. <br> <br> Mississippi State coach Jackie Sherrill said Jenkins now understands what it takes to play wide receiver in the SEC. <br> <br> ``He&#39;s always been a good worker. But he&#39;s a tenacious worker now,&#39;&#39; Sherrill said. <br> <br> Because of that, even the more publicized receivers in the SEC like LSU&#39;s Michael Clayton, Mississippi&#39;s Chris Collins and Georgia&#39;s Reggie Brown haven&#39;t been as productive as Jenkins. <br> <br> ``It&#39;s cool, but I don&#39;t really look for the pub,&#39;&#39; he said. ``The only pub I want is from my teammates. Maybe I can start something by them following my lead.&#39;&#39;