Florida Dismisses CB Jenkins

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida has dismissed star cornerback Janoris Jenkins after his third arrest in the last two years.

Coach Will Muschamp announced Jenkins’ dismissal Tuesday, three days after his latest arrest. He was charged with marijuana possession Saturday after a Gainesville Police officer spotted the 22-year-old sitting in a parked car, smoking what the officer later found to be a marijuana cigar.

Jenkins was arrested on the same charge in January and later accepted a plea deal. He also was arrested in May 2009 during a downtown fight. He signed a deferred prosecution agreement, agreeing to probation and community service.

Mushcamp says he met with Jenkins on Tuesday, and both felt it was in Jenkins’ best interest to move on “to the next stage of his career.We appreciate Janoris’ contributions to the University of Florida during his time here and wish him the best of luck.” Said Muschamp

Jenkins, who was named to the All-Southeastern Conference first team by The Associated Press, missed all of spring practice after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum he suffered at the beginning of last season. Even though he was projected as a high first-round pick, Jenkins decided to stay in school rather than enter the NFL draft.

A three-year starter, Jenkins has eight career interceptions, including three last season, one of which he returned 67 yards for a touchdown.