Janzen Jackson Scouting report S McNesee State

Janzen Jackson was heading into the season as one of the most talented safety prospects in the nation, but was dismissed from the Tennessee program. Obviously, this is going to negatively effect his draft stock.

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Measurables

5’11” 188 pounds

4.64 40 yard dash, 31″ arms, 9 3/8″ hands, 9 bench press reps

Stats

2011: I can’t find his stats for 2011 at McNesee State

2010:

Pros: Nose for the ball…just a playmaker…can lay some big hits…Good height…good speed… very physical…athletic (hops, speed, agility)…fluid athlete…experienced…good hands for a defensive back…really flies up to the field to help in the run game…some return ability…can play sideline to sideline with his speed…durable

Cons: Character concerns (left the team due to personal reasons…was reinstated the dismissed from the teams for what were reportedly substance abuse problems)…Isn’t the greatest open field tackler, goes for the big hit too often…a little wiry in his build

Round projection: 6th to UDFA

Thoughts:

Jackson is (was? I don’t watch any McNesee State games) one of the most talented safety prospects in all of college football, but he comes with some serious baggage.  Jackson could have potentially worked his way into first round discussion had he been able to stay out of trouble and deal with his issues in a healthier way (reportedly). Jackson has a lot of what you’re looking for in a safety prospect. He has good height, sideline to sideline range, he makes a lot of plays on the ball, and he can defend the middle of the field with his ferocious hits. Jackson is just a very nice prospect whose biggest on the field flaw is his form tackling (but almost everyone in the N.F.L. now doesn’t know how to form tackle). Jackson could have worked himself into first round discussion if he improved on his 2010 season, but instead he’ll have to really impress in interviews to even be drafted on the third day. Jackson’s situation is unfortunate, but he still has an opportunity to make an impact in the league. Hopefully he does.

NFLmocks preseason bio:

The Vols are holding their breath that Jackson will return to the team in 2011 after leaving for personal reasons back in February. Jackson is a tough, hard-nosed player who hits like a ton of bricks and is absolutely fearless on the field. As a sophomore, he racked up 69 tackles (four for loss), a sack, five interceptions, and six passes broken up. If he wants to keep up the style of play that he is so good at, he might need to bulk up to around 200 pounds or so, possibly more. However, for now, he is a player that is very fun to watch, and he can really hit. Hopefully, Jackson will return for his junior season and give the Vols one of the better ball-hawking defensive backfields in college football, as he and Prentiss Waggner hauled in 10 interceptions last year and 13 turnovers in all.

Video
Vs Kentucky (Mari0clp)