VALDOSTA — When the opportunity was presented, Xavier Jenkins jumped at the chance.

The Lowndes junior wide receiver immediately said yes when he received an invitation to play in Tuesday’s Elite Junior Classic at McEachern High School’s Cantrell Stadium in Powder Springs.

“It really means a lot to me because the guy who is actually hosting it, he called my phone one day and asked how would I like to play in the game,” Jenkins said. “I told him I’d love to play in the game just to get my talent out and get all of my skills. 

“I’ve been working for it a lot.”

After a junior season in which the 6-foot-5, 190-pound Jenkins proved to the Vikings’ top threat in the passing game with 26 receptions for 430 yards and eight touchdowns, leading Lowndes in every category. That came one season after Jenkins hauled in 12 passes for 263 yards and three TDs, also tops on the team.

“He had a great junior year and we’re looking forward to him having an even better year next year,” Lowndes coach Randy McPherson said.

To make that happen and to make the most of his opportunity at the Elite Junior Classic, Jenkins has spent his offseason so far working out at Valdosta State. Former Blazer standout Gerald Ford, the former Gulf South Conference Freshman of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year has been mentoring the young Viking.

“After school I actually go and work out with a guy that was actually in the League but came back to work with me, Gerald Ford,” Jenkins said. “He used to play wide receiver with the Dolphins and I go work out with him, lift weights, work on my route running, speed releases, all of that to prepare for the All-Star but not only that but also for next year.”

Before Jenkins gets to his senior season with Lowndes, though, he has the opportunity to display his talents at the All-Star game near Atlanta. It’s something he is looking forward to as he tries to continue to impress scouts from a variety of schools as he’s heard from the likes of Florida State, Florida, Michigan and Auburn.

“Not only more exposure, that’s part of it, but the real reason why I want to do it is I just want to get better at my game, my craft and my skillset,” Jenkins said. “I’ve just been working on it, working to get better.”

Jamie Wachter is the sports editor of the Valdosta Daily Times and can be followed on Twitter @jlwachter.