The career of Wisconsin’s Vonte Jackson comes to an end before it truly got started.
Jackson suffered from a series of knee injuries which eventually cost him his career. As a senior in high school, Jackson tore the ACL in his left knee. A year later, as a member of the Wisconsin Badgers, he tore the ACL in his right knee. Jackson again injured his right knee Aug. 9 and didn’t return to the practice field.
“It looks like Vonte is going to have to take medical (aid) unfortunately,” Wisconsin head coach Gary Andersen told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Jeff Potrykus. “But he is in a good spot (mentally). We’ve discussed it. We’ve spent time together.
“His family is on board. Everybody knows it is the best thing.”
Jackson entered fall camp with an opportunity to earn playing time at safety. He also provided depth at running back when needed. But the team will now have to address both positions without Jackson’s contributions.
“I feel bad about it,” Andersen said. “But I feel good that he can move on in life now.
“He can close that chapter and go on.”
Jackson was considered a four-star recruit and the No. 2 recruit in the state of Wisconsin when he committed to the Badgers as part of their 2012 class.
(Photo courtesy of the University of Wisconsin athletic department)