Nearly three weeks after being dismissed from BYU for violating the school's Honor Code, Ronney Jenkins' future remains in limbo, and his options are limited.
A host of Division I-AA schools, meanwhile, are hoping to become the star running back's next destination. South Florida, Cal State-Northridge, Southwest Missouri State, Southern Utah and Northern Arizona have expressed interest in him, the Deseret News has learned.But BYU has not yet released Jenkins from his scholarship. As per NCAA rules, no school can talk to him, nor can he transfer, until the release is officially granted.
"At the request of Ronney Jenkins' family, there has been a temporary hold on releasing him from scholarship," said BYU spokeswoman Carri Jenkins. School officials would not elaborate, citing confidentiality issues.
Sources tell the Deseret News there are some pending questions about the 5-foot-11, 170-pound sophomore's academic standing that could affect whether or not he would have to sit out the 1999 season -- even if he does transfer to an I-AA school. In 1997, Jenkins was suspended for one year because of an Honor Code violation, which burned his redshirt year.
Assistant athletic director Pete Witbeck, who oversees NCAA compliance matters at BYU, said Jenkins is still "exploring" a comeback to the school.
"If he had his druthers, he would like to return," Witbeck said. "That doesn't look favorable at this point."
Other school administrators told the Deseret News Monday there is no discussion taking place about the possibility of Jenkins being readmitted as a student.
Jenkins, after realizing he would be expelled from BYU, considered making himself available to the National Football League, and several NFL scouts contacted BYU coaches for information about the speedster. The Jan. 8 deadline came and went, though, without Jenkins declaring his eligibility for the April draft.
"He decided that wasn't the way to go," said Cougar running backs coach Lance Reynolds. "He wants time to get bigger and stronger physically. He needs time to mature. He needs two years to make that jump. There's not any question he has the potential (to play in the NFL) -- he has the tools. But he's still young (Jenkins is 21). That's a man's league." The Canadian Football League also looms as an option. While playing college football is still Jenkins' No. 1 choice at this point, if he is ineligible to play collegiately next season he could take his game, and his chances, north of the border. Jenkins may choose to hone his skills there toward his ultimate goal, the NFL.
Jenkins rushed for 1,307 yards this past season -- the second-best single-season effort in Cougar history -- and is sixth on the all-time career rushing list, 930 yards behind leader Jamal Willis.
BYU officials say they would like to assist Jenkins any way they can. "We are trying to do what's best for him," Witbeck said.
South Florida is perhaps the most intriguing place for Jenkins to resurface. The Bulls played their inaugural season of football in 1997 and had an 8-3 record in 1998, finishing No. 16 in the final I-AA polls.
South Florida got into the Jenkins sweepstakes via a BYU connection. Offensive coordinator Michael "Chico" Canales, a former Utah State quarterback, was a Y. graduate assistant from 1985-87.