Jackson learns from mistake

Tennessee safety Janzen Jackson said he wasn't allowed to discuss the specifics of his suspension last week, but hinted there could be an advantage from some time off.

"It's going to be nice getting back. I had a week off to rest my legs," the freshman said in his first public comments since being suspended for the Memphis game last Saturday. "I kind of missed the guys watching them out there on TV and stuff. I'll be happy to be back this week."

Jackson was suspended for "administrative reasons", according to head coach Lane Kiffin.

"It kind of felt like being injured and watching your team play," Jackson said.

Jackson last missed playing time as a senior in high school when he was injured. Upon further inspection, this absence was a bit different.

"To know that it was my fault, it felt a little bit worse," he said. "It's in the past now so it's back to work.

Jackson said missing playing time had an impact.

"It was a problem that had lingered in the past so we had already got past it," he said. "We just had to hit this bump in the road."

Jackson said he appreciated that UT's coaching staff was willing to forgive him of his recent transgression.

"I appreciate that a lot," he said. "You don't want to have your coach mad at you for any reason. You don't want that to linger. It's always about looking forward with these guys. That's a good thing."

For guidance, Jackson said he spoke to his father, Lance Guidry, who coaches defensive backs at Miami (Ohio).

"He just told me to keep my head up," Jackson said. "Look forward and it will be past sooner than I think. And it already is."

Practice Report: Kiffin was pleased with Wednesday's practice.

"There was great energy today," he said. "Better than yesterday. Yesterday just seemed to be O.K."

Kiffin also was pleased that UT is mostly healthy. He said defensive lineman Marlon Walls (ankle) is 100 percent.

Darren Myles Jr. was an exception. The freshman reserve safety didn't practice much with an undisclosed ailment.

Offensive guard Jacques McClendon was slowed by a sore foot that was injured against Memphis.

"But he'll be able to go," Kiffin said, referring to the Ole Miss game this Saturday.

If not, Kiffin said Jarrod Shaw or Cody Pope would step in.

Kiffin said placekicker Daniel Lincoln (quadriceps) kicked well Tuesday but his status for Saturday is uncertain.

"I have no idea," Kiffin said. "I just play it week to week and wait till Saturday to see. We would have thought by now (Lincoln would be healthy). Every time he starts to come back, it starts to bother him a little bit."

Battle On: Kiffin said right guards Vladimir Richard and Cory Sullins graded out about the same against Memphis.

"That position is still open throughout this week," Kiffin said.

Richard said he is healthy after overcoming knee and Achilles tendon issues this season.

"At this point I want to get on the field so whatever has to be done with me, that's what we have to do," Richard said. "As soon as I get out there and get my chance I'm going out there and giving it my all."

Lott of Awards: Safety Eric Berry was named the Ronnie Lott Trophy national player of the week for the second time this season. The junior had an interception, a fumble recovery and five tackles in UT's 56-28 win over Memphis. Berry honored earlier this season for his performance in UT's loss against Florida.

Berry also was selected as one of eight semifinalists for the Lott Award, which is presented to the nation's top defensive player.

Snead Synopsis: Ole Miss quarterback Jevan Snead came into the season as one of the most highly touted players in the SEC. At times, he's looked that good, yet inconsistency has plagued his game.

Snead ranks 73rd in the nation in passing efficiency. Kiffin said Snead's strong arm and ability to throw downfield has his attention.

"He's so dangerous," Kiffin said.

Snead, however, is completing only 51.9 percent of his passes.

"I'm shocked his completion percentage is as low as it is," Kiffin said. "When you watch the film, it doesn't feel like that."

Defensive tackle Dan Williams said the key to disrupting Snead is to rattle him.

"We're going to try to do our best to rattle him and try to take him out of his game because once he's in his zone, it will be hard for us to beat him," Williams said.

Williams has been plenty impressed with Snead's athleticism, even though he's widely considered more of a pocket passer. Snead must be athletic, Williams asserted, because Texas recruited him and the Longhorns run the option.

"He had to have a little speed for them to recruit him," Williams said.

Snead transferred from Texas in 2007 after losing the quarterback battle to Colt McCoy.

Scouting Report: Kiffin said Ole Miss' defensive front is very similar to Alabama's.

"They're so big and physical up front," Kiffin said of the Rebels. "And they're so deep. It's just one after another. Imagine, (defensive end Greg) Hardy doesn't start. That guy's a first-round (NFL) pick. I can't even imagine having that much depth like that."

Hardy has battled ankle and foot injuries this year but is widely thought of as one of the most talented ends in the SEC.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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