March 15, 2017
By Zac Ellis
VUCommodores.com
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Five years. Twenty-two starts. Two knee injuries. Two missed football seasons.
Those are the numbers that have defined Andrew Jelks’ career at Vanderbilt. But after a long and sometimes arduous journey as a Commodore, Jelks, a graduating senior offensive lineman, remains a positive influence on the Vanderbilt program.
“I think it just goes to show how much love I have for this program,” Jelks said.
The next chapter of Jelks’ story takes place on Thursday, when the Paris, Tenn. native will be one of 11 former Commodores demonstrating their abilities in a series of strength, speed and agility tests before dozens of NFL scouts at the Pro Day activity. The others are defensive linemen Torey Agee and Adam Butler, linebackers Zach Cunningham and Ja’karri Thomas, offensive linemen Barrett Gouger and Will Holden, cornerback Torren McGaster, linebacker/end Nehemiah Mitchell, wide receiver Latevius Rayford and receiver/return specialist Darrius Sims.
Like his teammates, Jelks could pique the interest of an NFL scout, leaving the door open to a potential professional career. The opportunity to work out in front of NFL scouts is reason enough to smile for Jelks.
“I’m thankful to be in this position right now,” Jelks said. “It’s been a tough couple of years here at Vanderbilt, but I’ve been blessed to have this ability to play football. I’m ready to go out on Thursday and showcase that to the best of my ability.”
Jelks began his Vanderbilt career as a heralded recruit out of Henry County High, a three-year starter on the offensive line who led the Patriots to a 15-0 record as a senior. At Vanderbilt, the 6’6”, 305-pound Jelks redshirted in 2012 before blossoming as a second-year freshman. He started 22 games over the next two seasons, even earning Freshman All-SEC honors in 2013.
But Jelks’ momentum stalled when he suffered a torn ACL during preseason camp in 2015. He went on to miss his entire redshirt junior season, working his way back from rehab ahead of his final year on campus. Then, déjàvu: Jelks suffered another torn ACL in August 2016. A second straight missed season followed.
Jelks said he sometimes struggled to understand the purpose behind his on-field setbacks. “It messes you up, big time,” Jelks said. “You work so hard to be on the field, out there with your brothers, and then it gets taken from you. Then the next year, it gets taken from you again. It was really tough.”
But Jelks made the most of a difficult situation. During both missed seasons, Jelks made a point to serve as a valuable presence on the sidelines and in team meetings. When Vanderbilt beat Tennessee on Nov. 26, Jelks was in full uniform for Senior Day. He later traveled with the Commodores to the Camping World Independence Bowl in Shreveport on Dec. 26.
No longer able to play, Jelks instead evolved into a de facto coach for Vanderbilt.
“I tried to put out a great vibe and be positive,” Jelks said. “If I showed I was strong through this adversity, then I knew my teammates could face any challenge ahead of them. I just love this program so much. I love the guys on the team, and I wanted to do anything in my ability to help them out.”
Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason, who arrived on West End prior to Jelks’ redshirt junior season in 2014, said the veteran’s impact on the locker room can’t be overstated.
“Andrew Jelks has been an unquestioned leader on this football team,” Mason said. “He’s played in the SEC at a high-level, and he understands what it means to be a Vanderbilt Man.”
Now Jelks hopes another door will open pertaining to his future. He knows Vanderbilt’s Pro Day can offer a shot at an NFL career. If not, Jelks said he could see himself coaching one day.
Regardless of what his future holds, Jelks looks back on his up-and-down Vanderbilt career with pride. Now he will forever be a Commodore.
“There’s no program in the country like Vanderbilt, a place that gives you everything you can ask for as a student and an athlete,” Jelks said. “I’m so thankful for the five years I’ve spent here. But now I’m ready to focus on my pro day and see what the Lord has in store for me.”