2025 Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star Team: Imani Christian’s Gabe Jenkins

Elite cornerbacks do not back down from any challenge.

Snap after snap, players like Imani Christians Gabe Jenkins love playing against tough competition and relish the opportunity to make game-changing plays.

Specializing in man coverage, Jenkins uses his 6-foot-1 frame to be a physical presence at the line of scrimmage.

I like to press and be a shutdown corner, Jenkins said.

His playmaking skills have impressed college recruiters Jenkins is the top-ranked Pennsylvania cornerback in the 2027 recruiting class by 247 sports.

However, its his versatility on defense that has allowed the Saints to call more plays to throw off offenses.

He started as a linebacker.

In my mind, you almost have another linebacker when he lines up in the box.

Ive used Gabe like Troy Polamalu, as we allow him to play football, Imani Christian coach LaRoi Johnson said.

His instincts are some of the best.

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He rarely misses tackles.

He finds the ball, whether you throw it or he strips it.

Hes a big-play magnet and can go the distance when he touches the ball.

Although schools are recruiting Jenkins to play cornerback, he also played running back last year for the Saints.

This season, Jenkins will take snaps at quarterback.

He led the Saints last season in rushing and is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team.

Gabe has feet and vision that not everybody has inside the hole, Johnson said.

If (David) Davis wasnt returning punts, hed be the next guy.

Hes also an outstanding receiver.

He has very big hands, (wearing) 3XL gloves.

He can go out there and catch it in the air.

Hes a dynamic player.

This year, youll see him play every skill position in the world if we get the matchup we look for.

When we look at the tape, hes a really good blocker.

RB/DB David Davis, a teammate of Jenkins, is also on the 2025 Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star Team.

The two are a top-notch duo in the Imani Christian secondary and will line up in the Saints backfield on offense.

This summer, Jenkins was part of Imani Christians seven-on-seven team that won tournaments at Ohio State and Fairmont State.

Jenkins has also been working to improve his time in the 40-yard dash, which currently ranges between 4.5 and 4.6 seconds.

He wants to maximize his quickness and burst to make more explosive plays in the fall.

He has football traits that make him a top 300 player, Johnson said.

Hes the top player in the state, in my personal opinion.

Jenkins was an all-Allegheny 7 Conference selection at running back and cornerback and won the conferences All-Purpose Player award last fall.

Imani Christian was undefeated in the conference last year with a plus-251 point differential.

But once the Saints reached the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs, they ran into the eventual WPIAL champion, Avonworth, which ended their unbeaten run, 14-6, to fall to 11-1 overall.

Jenkins and Imani Christian will seek to begin an even better season at Beaver Falls on Aug 29.

Im going into my junior season.

Im trying to win a state championship, Jenkins said.

We had the opportunity last year, but this year, we have the team, the coaches, everything we need to go there.

Im trying to do the best I can to win.

Gabe Jenkins Imani Christian Junior 6-foot-1, 182 pounds DB/RB Stars: 4 Committed to: Undecided Division I offers: Akron, Baylor, Indiana, James Madison, Kentucky, Marshall, Maryland, Miami (Ohio), Michigan State, Nebraska, Penn State, Pitt, SMU, Syracuse, Temple, Toledo, UCF, UNLV, West Virginia 2024 statistics: 122 carries for 1,283 yards (10.52 yards per carry) and 14 touchdowns; five catches for 152 yards (30.4 yards per catch) and two touchdowns Highlights: Hudl Tags: Imani Christian.

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