Extra Effort: Bryson Jenkins helps Northern Nash to great heights in two sports

The Northern Nash High School baseball and football programs have improved to become among the best in the state. Part of the reason why is a graduating class of athletes that includes Bryson Jenkins, who excels both on and off the playing field.

Whatever Jenkins does, he does to the fullest.

“He’s just a remarkable person. He just came in full force, and he’s going out full force,” said Northern Nash math teacher Jennedy Clayton.

As a baseball player, Jenkins is an all-conference middle infielder with power. He led Northern Nash in batting average, home runs and stolen bases on a team that made the fourth round of the state playoffs.

“Baseball has always been my first love. I’ve played it since I was two and three (years old),” Jenkins said. “I hate to say this, but my parents lied about my age when I was little so I could play baseball in Wilson because I just loved it so much.”

“He plays with a little bit of a chip on his shoulder,” Northern Nash baseball coach Joey Keefe said of Jenkins. “He’s been underestimated for quite a bit of time, but he just does his best to push through that and show everybody up.”

Jenkins was also the kicker and punter for the Knights' football team that made the 3A state title game.

Next season, he will play both football and baseball for Barton College. “It’s a great environment. It’s not far from home, only 30 minutes up the road, and my family and friends will still get to come see me,” Jenkins said.

Jenkins has an even brighter future off the field. He is graduating with a 4.6 grade point average, which is second in his class. He wants to major in pre-med and become an orthopedic surgeon.

“There is no doubt he’s going to be successful when he goes into orthopedics,” said Clayton.

“I credit that to my parents. They’ve always been on me about my grades. Sports only last so long,” Jenkins said.

“He is our triple crown award winner, which encompasses athletics, academics and community involvement,” added Keefe.