Jaray Jenkins Bio
Jaray Jenkins, born on January 4, 2000, is an American professional football wide receiver currently competing in the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing approximately 205 pounds, Jenkins has built a career defined by perseverance through injuries and steady development at both the collegiate and professional levels. After going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars before later joining the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he continues his professional journey.
Early Life and Background
Jaray Jenkins grew up in Jena, Louisiana, a small community that helped shape his introduction to the sport of football. He attended Jena High School, where he quickly developed into a productive offensive weapon for the local program. During his high school career, Jenkins recorded 111 receptions for 1,960 receiving yards and 27 receiving touchdowns, while also contributing 448 rushing yards and 9 rushing touchdowns as a complementary runner.
Despite his statistical success, Jenkins faced a major setback during his senior season when he suffered a fractured tibia, forcing him to miss the remainder of his final year. The injury raised questions about his long-term trajectory, but he remained committed to continuing his football career. On March 13, 2017, Jenkins officially committed to play college football at Louisiana State University (LSU), choosing the Tigers over other programs and laying the foundation for his next stage of development.
Path to American Football
Jenkins’s path to professional football began with his commitment to LSU, where he was expected to grow within one of the most competitive programs in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). His high school production, combined with his size and athletic profile, made him an attractive recruit despite the senior-year injury. LSU provided Jenkins with a structured environment and high-level coaching to refine his route-running, hands, and understanding of the passing game.
At LSU, Jenkins gradually earned playing time and became a reliable target in the Tigers’ offensive scheme. His progression from a recovering high school prospect to a contributor in a Power Five conference exemplified the patience required to succeed at the next level. By the time he completed his college career, Jenkins had established himself as a consistent receiver capable of producing in critical moments, ultimately positioning himself for an opportunity in the NFL.
Jaray Jenkins Career
Early Career at LSU (2019–2022)
Jaray Jenkins spent four seasons with the LSU Tigers from 2019 through 2022, developing into a dependable receiver within the program. Across his collegiate career, he totaled 89 receptions for 1,370 receiving yards and 14 receiving touchdowns, steadily increasing his production as his role expanded. His development was marked by consistent improvement and a willingness to take on larger responsibilities within the offense.
The 2021 season represented the high point of Jenkins’s college career. He posted 34 receptions for 502 receiving yards and 6 receiving touchdowns, showcasing his ability to perform as a featured receiving option. On November 27, 2021, Jenkins delivered a career-defining performance, catching 8 passes for 169 yards and 2 touchdowns, including the game-winning score with 20 seconds remaining to upset the number 15-ranked Texas A&M Aggies in what was also head coach Ed Orgeron’s final home game at LSU. The performance cemented his reputation as a clutch performer.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2023)
Following his decision to declare for the 2023 NFL Draft on December 12, 2022, Jenkins awaited his opportunity at the professional level. After going undrafted, he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent, earning an initial opportunity to compete for a roster spot. The signing marked the realization of his professional dream despite the disappointment of not being selected in the draft.
Jenkins’s time with Jacksonville was brief. On August 29, 2023, he was waived and placed on injured reserve due to a physical issue, and he was subsequently released on September 4, 2023. While the early exit was challenging, the experience provided Jenkins with his first exposure to an NFL training environment and confirmed his desire to continue pursuing a professional career.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2024–Present)
On June 3, 2024, Jenkins signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, beginning a new chapter in his professional career. The Steelers, known for their stable franchise structure and developmental approach, offered him another opportunity to compete for a position on the roster. He participated in training camp and preseason activities as he worked to secure a role within the organization.
Jenkins was waived on August 27, 2024, but was later re-signed to the practice squad, allowing him to remain within the Steelers’ system. He continued to develop on the practice squad before being released on October 14, 2024. His movement between the active roster and practice squad reflected the typical journey of a young receiver working to establish himself in the league.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Jenkins’s career came on November 27, 2021, when his game-winning catch against Texas A&M secured a memorable upset and served as a signature highlight during his LSU tenure. His career statistics at LSU, including 89 receptions, 1,370 receiving yards, and 14 receiving touchdowns, along with his high school totals of 111 receptions for 1,960 yards and 27 touchdowns, reflect a player who has consistently produced at every level despite setbacks.
Jaray Jenkins Career Stats
Jaray Jenkins has compiled notable receiving statistics across his high school, collegiate, and early professional career. At Jena High School, he totaled 111 receptions for 1,960 yards and 27 receiving touchdowns, while adding 448 rushing yards and 9 rushing touchdowns. During his four years at LSU, Jenkins recorded 89 receptions for 1,370 receiving yards and 14 receiving touchdowns, with his 2021 campaign standing out as his most productive season.
LSU Highlights
Jenkins’s best season at LSU came in 2021, when he posted 34 receptions for 502 yards and 6 touchdowns. His career-best game occurred against Texas A&M on November 27, 2021, when he recorded 8 catches for 169 yards and 2 touchdowns, including the game-winning reception. That performance served as a defining moment in his collegiate career.
Other Performances
Beyond his LSU accomplishments, Jenkins’s high school statistics at Jena High School established him as a multi-dimensional offensive threat. His ability to contribute both as a receiver and a runner demonstrated his versatility and work ethic from an early stage.
Jaray Jenkins Family
Personal Life
Jaray Jenkins was born and raised in Jena, Louisiana, where his family ties to the local community remain an important part of his identity. He attended Jena High School before continuing his football career at LSU, carrying the support of his hometown throughout his journey. Public information regarding his parents, spouse, or children is not widely available, and Jenkins has generally kept his personal and family life private.
2025 Season Outlook
Entering the 2025 season, Jaray Jenkins continues his professional career as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers organization, with the goal of securing a more permanent role on the roster. After spending time on the practice squad in 2024, Jenkins is expected to compete for an opportunity to contribute to the team’s receiving corps during training camp and preseason activities. His experience within the Steelers’ system provides him with a familiar environment in which to continue his development.
Jenkins’s combination of size, production history at LSU, and versatility as a receiver gives him a foundation to build upon as he works to establish himself at the NFL level. The 2025 season represents a critical opportunity for him to demonstrate the consistency and reliability needed to earn a longer-term place within the organization. With continued hard work and health, Jenkins remains focused on making a sustained impact in professional football.