Iowa State football: DT Brandon Jensen rejoins the Cyclones

About that whole problem at defensive tackle? Iowa State gets a leader back at that position as Brandon Jensen announces he will be returning to the team.

Nov 2, 2013; Manhattan, KS, USA; Iowa State Cyclones defensive lineman Brandon Jensen (93) pressures Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Daniel Sams (4) during the second half at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The Wildcats defeat the Cyclones 41-7. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Bobby La Gesse of The Ames Tribune reports the news along with a statement from head coach Paul Rhoads. Jensen declined comment.

"After leaving the Iowa State football team in December, defensive tackle Brandon Jensen returned to program on Thursday. Jensen will be a fifth-year senior.“We are obviously extremely pleased to have Brandon back with us next year,” said coach Paul Rhoads in a statement. “He gives an immediate upgrade at a position we are very thin at.”"

The news is more than welcome to the football team, who saw two of their top players on defense get dismissed from the team, Rodney Coe and David Irving. Both players were at the DT position.

That left Robby Garcia and Pierre Aka at the position, with the oldest being a sophomore in Aka. On the depth chart, the starting position was already flipped after spring practice was over.

No, Jensen may not be the player that either Coe or Irving is, but he had 18 total tackles last year and has experience on the field and in Big 12 play. He’s a more than welcome addition to the team after walking away last winter. Perhaps the downgrade at DT persuaded him to join on for his final season.