NCAA rule brings FAMU defender back for fifth season

FAMU will benefit from the new ruling that gives an extra year of NCAA eligibility for the 2022 class.

FAMU head coach Quinn Gray excitedly announced that Nay’Ron Jenkins was granted a fifth year. He was the team’s second-leading tackler for the last two seasons.Jenkins had been a graduate defensive assistant since last season, but traded in his whistle for pads for one more run this week.

He’s back in uniform to the new five-in-five rules enacted by the NCAA.  

Jenkins was an active linebacker that amassed 73 tackles in his junior season.  He totaled 38 solo tackles and 35 assisted tackles. Jenkins also had an interception and three pass-break-ups. He also had one fumble recovery for TD to seal spoiling homecoming for Alabama State in 2024.

Jenkins was huge in 2025 for FAMU. He came up with 62 total tackles, while nursing an injury for part of the season.  He gathered 28 solo tackles and 34 assisted tackles.  He forced a fumble and had two quarterback hurries.

A leader on the defensive side of the ball, re-inserting him in the FAMU defense adds a level of maturity.  Jenkins brings a high academic profile to the Rattlers as well.  In 2023 and 2023, he was selected to the SWAC Commissioners honor roll.