For 50 days, we're ranking the most important Illini for the 2010 season.

No. 12: A.J. Jenkins, receiver

Why he's important: At one point after the 2009 season, the Illinois coaches wondered if Jenkins would be back for his junior season. But after a lot of deliberation and conversations with his family and the Illini coaches, Jenkins decided to return. A solid performance in the spring makes him one of the likely go-to guys for starting quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase. Jenkins had 10 catches in 2009, four coming against Indiana. He didn't have a catch the final four games of the season. But his numbers should jump significantly in Paul Petrino's receiver friendly offense. Jenkins actually had a better freshman year at Illinois, when he caught 11 passes for 287 yards and three touchdowns. He had only one touchdown in 2009. Jenkins has formed a connection with first-year starter Scheelhaase and is expected to help the offense stretch opposing defenses.

Fast fact: The Jacksonville (Fla.) Terry Parker standout had oodles of college options, including Florida, Florida State, Georgia Tech and Miami.

Tomorrow: No. 11

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