By Dan Ryan
B-CUAthletics.com 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - As Brian Jenkins focuses on preparing to face the University of Miami on Saturday afternoon, the Bethune-Cookman Head Football Coach will continue his deep respect for a football program that had a tremendous impact on his youth.

"The 'U' helped a lot of inner city kids," Jenkins related during his time on the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference coaches teleconference Tuesday morning. "And I'm one of those kids."

Jenkins, who grew up in Ft. Lauderdale, spent more time talking about the Hurricanes' program than the actual Xs and Os regarding Saturday's game between his Wildcats and the Hurricanes.

"That program means more than football," Jenkins said. "It changed lives. It brought inspiration to kids who may not have seen a way out. To be able to talk to [Michael] Irvin or the Blades brothers, that impact of interacting with youngsters is tremendous. I don't talk about Irvin's days with [the Dallas Cowboys]; I talk about his days at the 'U'."

"Every week you saw them on national television winning, and overcoming the odds," Jenkins added. "That made an impression. It resulted in student-athletes from tough areas realizing there was an avenue to achieve academic success. There was an opportunity nearby, but if a player didn't have a chance to go to Miami, they'd still try to emulate the style of those players."

"That team brought sunshine, inspiration and hope," Jenkins concluded. "It left a big impression on me."

That respect may be one reason Jenkins is taking the Hurricanes' 52-13 loss to Kansas State this past weekend with more than one grain of salt.

"I see a sound football team. Numbers can mislead people," Jenkins said. "They are fast, physical and well-coached. Al Golden is doing a tremendous job of getting the program to the standard everyone expects. What happened with Kansas State doesn't define them."

A season ago, B-CU held its own with Miami, taking an early 7-0 lead. In fact, the Wildcats were within 21-14 late in the third quarter before the Hurricanes pulled away to a 45-14 victory.

"We know if we do the right things and take care of football fundamentals, we have a chance to be successful," Jenkins said.

Kickoff is at 12:04 p.m. at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens. WatchESPN/ESPN3 will broadcast live.