The following is a press release courtesy of Iowa State athletics communications.
AMES, Iowa – Iowa State head football coach Paul Rhoads announced today that Brandon Jensen, a defensive tackle who has played in 36 career games for the Cyclones, has decided to rejoin the football team effectively immediately.
A native of Ankeny, Iowa, Jensen notified Rhoads in December of his decision to leave the football team in his final season at Iowa State while remaining in school. Jensen had a change of heart and will be a fifth-year senior in 2014.
“We are obviously extremely pleased to have Brandon back with us next year,” Rhoads said. “He gives an immediate upgrade at a position we are very thin at. He also brings tremendous leadership and experience to his position group and our entire football team. Brandon is a hard worker and Big 12-tested. We are looking forward to him being a leader for us in 2014.”
The 6-5, 300-pounder started all 12 games at nose guard for the Cyclones in 2013, registering 18 tackles, four tackles for loss and one sack. He played in all 13 games as a sophomore in 2012, tallying eight tackles.
Jensen’s return will have an immediate impact for the Cyclones on the interior defensive line, a position where the Cyclones only had one returning letterman (Devlyn Cousin) participating in spring drills.