LSU sophomore defensive back Donte Jackson has been ruled academically ineligible for the spring semester, according to a report by The Advocate.
Jackson, who is also a sprinter on the LSU track team, did not attend LSU’s spring football practice on Tuesday.
The report states the 173-pound defensive back is expected to qualify for the summer and participate in fall camp.
On Thursday, Jackson said “his grades were staying up,” but LSU coach Les Miles expressed apprehension about him playing two sports while maintaining his school work.
“I think there’s some concern that there needs to be balance,” Miles said. “I think he’s doing a good job. We’re kind of monitoring him and helping him along the way, academically, and making sure he’s meeting his appointments and doing the papers he needs to do. I think as long as he does that, he’s hanging in there and he has the opportunity to do both. The academics is the key piece.”
The Metairie, Louisiana native played in 11 games as freshman last season for the football team, registering 22 tackles and one interception. He had been seeing time working with the first-team defense this spring, with LSU sophomore cornerback Kevin Toliver II sitting out spring with a shoulder injury.
At Riverdale High School, Jackson was a four-time Class 4A state champion sprinter.