BYU Football History Book: Defensive end Jan Jorgensen

 Jan Jorgensen was a beast up front for BYU football. A game changing defensive end, let’s look back at all he did with the Cougars.

From 2006-09, Jan Jorgensen terrorized opposing offenses for BYU football.

A staple of some of the best defenses in the Mountain West Conference, the “Janimal” seemingly got better with every season he was in Provo.

Earning Third Team Freshman All-American honors after his fist BYU football season, Jorgensen finished his career with three straight First Team All-MWC designations.

Let’s take a look at his numbers.

Freshman (2006)

13 games, 34 total tackles, 5 TFL, 4 sacks, 2 QB hurries.

Sophomore (2007)

13 games, 77 total tackles, 20 TFL, 13.5 sacks, 5 QB hurries.

Junior (2008)

13 games, 54 total tackles, 8.5 TFL, 5 sacks, 11 QB hurries.

Senior (2009)

13 games, 56 total tackles, 10.5 TFL, 6 sacks, 4 QB hurries.

Jorgensen’s 2007 season was the best of his career statistically, and he anchored a BYU football defense that was No. 10 in the nation in total defense (307.8 yards per game).

He’s tied for second on BYU football’s all-time sacks list (28.5), trailing Brandon Flint’s 33. Joregensen’s 28.5 career sacks is also tied for the MWC career record.

The Cougars also went 43-9 when Jorgensen started. A testament not only to his incredible ability to stay healthy, but also his talent on the field. Among those 43 wins included four victories over ranked opponents and three over the Utah Utes.

Jorgensen had a disappointing workout at BYU football’s Pro Day, which turned scouts away from him. Combined with him playing out of position in Provo (NFL teams wanted him as a 4-3 defensive end or linebacker), Jorgensen never got any traction in his hopes for a pro career.

Next: Power Ranking BYU's Opponents Based On Mascots

At least not on the gridiron.

Jorgensen did, however, remain an athlete.

He went to the cage, becoming a MMA fighter. Jorgensen won his debut fight on September 24, 2010, then went on a seven-fight winning streak (plus a no contest). With an unblemished record, Jorgensen took on Josh Copeland in a RFA Heavyweight Title fight.

Jorgensen lost the fight. His record is currently 8-1. He hasn’t fought since 2015.