Vols Offseason Begins With a Bang...Again: Janzen Jackson Withdraws From School

According to a release from the University of Tennessee, sophomore safety Janzen Jackson has withdrawn from the school for the spring semester to focus on personal issues.

Presumably, these are the same personal issues that caused Jackson to miss some bowl practices in December.

In the release, head coach Derek Dooley was quoted, “We are continuing to support Janzen as he addresses his personal issues during this temporary withdrawal from school,” said Dooley. “While he would still be eligible to compete if he enrolls this fall, nothing is more important than Janzen’s personal well-being.”

Many consider Jackson to be the best player on the team. If the soon-to-be junior does not return for the 2011 season it would certainly be a tremendous blow for the Vols.

Also in the release is news that two more Vols are now former Vols. Freshman defensive back Ted Meline has permanently withdrawn from the school for personal reasons and linebacker Jerod Askew has been dismissed for a violation of team rules.

Among the Vols latest losses is Cody Pope who will "no longer participate in football for medical reasons", according to the release.

The lone bit of good news from Dooley is that Art Evans, junior defensive back, has been reinstated to the team.

Monday's release comes on the heels of Dooley's Sunday announcement that defensive line coach and former Vol Chuck Smith was leaving the staff to pursue other career opportunities. Taking his place on the staff is former Tennessee Titans linebacker, Peter Sirmon.

After spending 2010 as a graduate assistant at UT coaching safeties, Sirmon will coach the linebackers in 2011.

Former linebackers coach and recruiter extraordinaire Lance Thompson will shift to the defensive line.

While all of this movement seems to be unexpected, Dooley thinks everything will work out fine.

“Lance’s extensive experience coaching defensive linemen combined with Peter’s work product over the past year makes these decisions seamless,” said Dooley.

Considering the Vols are staring down the barrel of another season with less than 85 scholarship players, Tennessee fans everywhere are holding their collective breath that Dooley's confidence in seamless transition will be affirmed.

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