Just four days after his abrupt dismissal from Tennessee, Janzen Jackson has already found a new collegiate landing spot.
According to Andrew Gribble of the Knoxville Sentinel, the cornerback has enrolled at McNeese State and will play for the Div. 1-AA school in 2011. In a statement released by his new school, Jackson expressed thanks for the second chance from his new school chance while also apologizing to his former school for unnamed mistakes he’s made.
“I would like to thank McNeese for giving me the opportunity to come back home and continue my education and football career,” Jackson said. “I would also like to apologize to my family, friends and the University of Tennessee for the mistakes I have made.
“I realize how fortunate I am to get a second chance and look forward to the challenges that lie ahead.”
While no specific reasons for the dismissal were given by UT officials, subsequent reports stated that Jackson had failed multiple drug tests. The school would not confirm those reports due to federal privacy laws.
“I’m hoping that it makes all the difference for Janzen,” McNeese head coach Matt Viator told the Sentinel. “There’s no question that we’re trying to help the young man. I think that he is sincere in wanting a second chance. Not only that but I think that he’s sincere in wanting to be a part of this program.”
Viator is good friends with Jackson’s father, Western Kentucky defensive coordinator Lance Guidry.
Jackson had started 22 games his first two seasons in Knoxville, and was named second-team All-SEC following the 2010 season.