NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Janzen Jackson, S/CB, McNeese State

Player information:

• Janzen Jackson, S/CB, McNeese State
• 5-foot-11, 188 lbs.
• Impressive athlete who transferred out of Tennessee after run-ins with the law and a clash with new coaching staff.

NFL Combine:

• 4.64 40-yard dash
• 4.15 20-yard shuttle
• 6.90 3-cone drill
• 125″ broad jump
• 36.5″ vertical jump
• 9 bench press reps

News & Notes:

A five-star recruit and one of the more heavily recruited players coming out of high school…Started in the second game of his freshman year at Tennessee and went on to start nine more in 2009…As a sophomore, led Tennessee with five interceptions…Was only Volunteer to earn All-SEC honors in 2010 as a second-teamer…Numerous character concerns, including an arrest for armed robbery and charges of substance abuse…Left UT in the spring of 2011, was welcomed back by coach Derek Dooley in July and then dismissed at the end of August…Transferred to McNeese State, in his hometown, where he started at both cornerback and safety. Intercepted three passes…Might be in the hybrid cornerback/safety mold at the next level…Red flags will knock Jackson down many boards…Far from “Packers People”—would be interesting to see if GM Ted Thompson even has him on his board—but talent and ability to play a hybrid role (i.e. Charles Woodson) makes him an intriguing prospect for Green Bay.

What they’re saying about him:

Rob Rang (CBS Sports): “Lean, athletic build with plenty of room for additional muscle mass. Legitimate NFL-caliber athlete. Possesses good straight-line speed, fluid hips to turn and run and explosiveness out of his breaks. Good vision and anticipation as a free safety. Reads the quarterback’s eyes and gets an excellent break on the ball. Is a considerably bigger hitter than his slight frame would lead you to believe. Closes quickly and generates an explosive collision on impact that can separate the football.”

National Football Post (Wes Bunting): “A talented kid who can run, track the football and can be a violent striker on contact. However, isn’t the most sound of wrap-up guys, is raw with his footwork and has character concerns. Nevertheless, has the talent to play in the NFL and should get a shot because of his ability to run and strike.”

NFL Combine: “Jackson is an electric athlete who could make an immediate impression at the next level. He is sudden, quick twitched and fast enough to cover the deep half of the field against the SEC’s best receivers. Teams may be put off by the issues surrounding his transfer history, but Jackson is an undeniable athlete who could contribute early at both the corner and safety position. He has third-round value with a strong opportunity to ascend.”

Video:

Video Analysis:

• Forget his size, he’ll hit anything in front of him
• Violent collision hitter
• Shows an ability to blitz from safety position
• Athleticism jumps off the screen
• Not the fastest 40-time, but game speed is clearly evident
• Makes plays on the passes in the air
• Worth repeating twice: Top athlete on the field, and in the SEC no less

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Zach Kruse is a 23-year-old sports journalist with a passion for the Green Bay Packers. He currently lives in Wisconsin and is working on his journalism degree, while also covering prep sports for The Dunn Co. News.

You can read more of Zach's Packers articles on AllGreenBayPackers.com.

Follow @zachkruse2

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