Jenkins played at Weir High where he was a three-sport letterman, starring especially in football. As a senior at Weir, he passed 1500 yards as a senior. He was a All-State third team member in football and All-State honorable mention in baseball and basketball. Also, he received the Do Nell and Daffer Dan Awards.

Nicked named "Flea," he was the only sophomore starting for WVU in 1969. That year, he picked four passes for 114 yards and 1 touchdown and was the leading punt returner on the team. As a junior, he returned 35 punts for 267 yards and one touchdown. He also intercepted two passes and recovered a fumble. Over the course of his career, he intercepted 10 passes, four coming during his last season. Also, in his last season, he led the team with 42 punts returned for a total of 230 yards on returns. He was drafted 16th overall in 1972 by the Detroit Lions. He later played with the Shreveport Steamers in the WFL from 1975-76. With the Steamers, he had six interceptions for 156no yards, 11 punt returns for 68 yards, and three kickoff returns for 57 yards.