Janzen Jackson Transfers to McNeese State: Tennessee Bound To Regret It

Last week one of the Tennessee Volunteers' most experienced and talented defensive backs was dismissed from the team. Sources close to the situation told ESPN.com that Jackson has battled substance-abuse issues and failed multiple drug tests.

Jackson has recently decided to transfer to Division I-AA school McNeese State, a subdivision school in his home state of Louisiana.

"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."

Jackson is a playmaker and a very physical corner. He was second-team All-SEC after compiling 65 tackles, a sack and four intercepted passes last season.

This will hurt the Volunteers more than it will hurt Jackson.

There is no question that Jackson was Tennessee's best corner on the team, and he is now removed from a secondary that allowed 229 passing yards per game last season. That spells trouble. 

Sure, Tennessee has experience in Marsalis Teague and Anthony Anderson, but neither are as talented as Jackson is.

He has shutdown-corner potential, plays very physical football and has the ability to make the big play.

So, could he find his way back to the SEC once he does his one year at McNeese State? Quite possibly.

There are plenty of teams that would be interested in his services. Maybe he stays in his hometown and joins LSU. Or maybe he joins an SEC powerhouse that Tennessee plays next year, like Georgia or Florida.

Florida has already made a decision they will regret this season, dismissing Janoris Jenkins for drug issues as well. Tennessee is now in the same boat.

I don't support drug use or breaking the law, but sometimes there are things that should be swept under the rug.

When your best players are getting into trouble, you should find other ways to punish them—not kick them off the team.

I know it looks good and is considered the "right" thing to do by many, but you can't win without them. The best players should be treated with special privileges.

It may not sound right or fair, but that's the way it is. Do you want to win or do you want to look good and be in the cellar of your conference?

Look at former Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel. He knew what his players were doing, but acted like he didn't.

Why? He wanted to win.

He wasn't going to by snitching on his players and having them dismissed from the team.

The decision to drop Jackson may make new head coach Derek Dooley look good and gain him brownie points, but it won't help him win.

At the end of the day, that's really all that matters.