College Football 2011: Janzen Jackson and the Biggest Offseason Losses

It happens every season in college football. Rosters change every year.

Players graduate and move on to the NFL, players get hurt and end up missing significant time, or players end up getting dismissed from their team for bad behavior or breaking NCAA rules.

It's all part of the game.

But when it's a big time player it hurts the most. When that player that made a huge impact on your team leaves, it leaves a huge hole to fill and could be the difference in a successful season and a failure.

Here are some of the biggest offseason losses in college football.

Florida Gators: Janoris Jenkins

Jenkins was an All-SEC selection and an All-American his freshman season. He was considered one of the top cornerbacks in the country and had all the potential in the world.

He had eight interceptions during his career at Florida, including three last season. He was expected to be a first round pick in last years NFL draft but decided to return for his senior season.

He had several run-ins with the law and when he was cited for position of marijuana in April of this year, head coach Will Muschamp dismissed him from the team.   

That now leaves the Florida Gators with a hole in their secondary and leaves Jenkins playing for the North Alabama Lions this season.

Ouch.

Arkansas Razorbacks: Knile Davis

Knile Davis had a huge year last season rushing for over 1,300 yards and 13 touchdowns. He led all SEC running backs with those yards and averaged 147 yards over the last seven games of a 10-3 Arkansas season.

He was on the second preseason All-SEC team entering this season and was put on the watch list for several awards, including the Doak Walker. 

Davis was carted off the field a couple weeks ago due to an ankle injury and miss the rest of the season. 

This is a huge blow to an Arkansas team that had had a chance to compete in the SEC West and had a first time starter at quarterback in Tyler Wilson. This now leaves majority of the carries up to junior running back Dennis Johnson who has had a total of 102 carries in three years.

Tennessee Volunteers: Janzen Jackson

Janzen Jackson was dismissed from the team earlier today for unspecific reasons. Although he has been dealing with "personal issues" throughout his entire career at the University of Tennessee.

Jackson made the SEC All-Freshman team after recording 37 tackles, one interception, and a forced fumble. 

He made the All-SEC second team after intercepting four balls and leading all defensive backs on the team with 69 tackles.

He was the Vols most experienced and probably most talented defenders on the team. He now leaves a secondary with some major concerns whom had given up 229 passing yards a game with him on the field.

North Carolina Tar Heels: Butch Davis

Butch Davis was fired by North Carolina in late July amid NCAA investigation of academic misconduct and allegations players receiving improper benefits from agents.

Davis was not great at North Carolina, finishing with a record of 28-23 in four seasons. But the recruiting class he brought in with all of the NCAA problems he was facing was remarkable.

The managed to land defensive tackle Devonte Brown and offensive guard Jarrod James who were both ranked in the top 10 in the state of North Carolina. They also picked up T.J. Thorpe, Norkeithus Otis, and dual threat quarterback Marquise Williams.

Since the firing North Carolina has hired interim head coach Everett Withers. This will be the former defensive coordinators first head coaching position. 

The Whole Auburn Team

The Auburn Tigers had a season the fans will remember forever, going undefeated and winning the national championship over the Oregon Ducks.

But most of that team is gone now, including Heisman trophy quarterback Cam Newton, tackle Nick Fairley and four offensive lineman.

Auburn only returns five starters from that team a year ago.

Head coach Gene Chizik is a great coach and his staff recruits well but this team will be nothing like they were last season. There is still lots of talent on this team but majority of it is inexperienced. 

With a tough schedule and a new team, the Tigers will go through growing pains and experience a season completely different from last years.