Former Vol Janzen Jackson Enrolls At McNeese State

Former Tennessee safety Janzen Jackson has enrolled at McNeese State, back in his home town of Lake Charles, La. Jackson was dismissed from the Volunteers earlier this week for undisclosed reasons. He has struggled with substance abuse in the past, however. Jackson withdrew from school in February to deal with personal problems, before returning to Tennessee in July.

By going home, Jackson will hopefully be surrounded by whatever care and support he needs. In return, McNeese State will receive a higher caliber of player than they are used to. Jackson is arguably one of the best safeties in college football, racking up 69 tackles and five interceptions for the Vols last season.

Janzen Jackson has been dismissed from the Tennessee football team just a couple of months after the team’s best defensive player returned to the Volunteers after a four-month absence due to personal issues. Teneessee head coach made the announcement on the school’s website.

The “privilege” of being a player for the University of Tennessee never seemed to be one that Jackson held in high regard as he was suspended from the team twice during his three-year career.

Jackson led the Vols in interceptions in 2010 and ranked nationally in the top 25 (five picks, returned for a total of 114 yards), in addition to notching 40 solo tackles, 11 defended passes, and one sack. It is not a stretch to say he’s Tennessee’s best player, and the magnitude of his return cannot be overstated. Here’s what our own Bill Connelly had to say about the prospect of Jackson’s return:

Whatever it was Jackson was handling, it was obviously dire enough for his coaches to let him go while leaving the door open for his return. Here’s hoping, sincerely, that he’s got it under control and can get back to being a college kid, and to mowing down unsuspecting ball carriers all over the field.