.png&width=32&height=32&type=webp)
The University of Mississippi Athletics
Football Loses Wide Receiver
6/21/1999 | Football
July 9, 1998
OXFORD, Miss. -- Ole Miss head coach Tommy Tuberville announced Thursday that junior wide receiver Jason Clingan of Pontotoc, Miss., has decided to give up football.
"Jason is passing up his junior and senior years for personal reasons," Tuberville said. "While we hate to see him leave the program, we wish him well. He has been a big part of our success.
Tuberville said that Clingan has indicated he plans to remain at Ole Miss to earn his degree. "We certainly support him in his efforts to graduate," Tuberville said.
After playing the 1997 season as a part-time starter at strong safety, Clingan was moved from the secondary to his original college position of wide receiver in the spring.
He played all 12 games last season when the Rebels finished 8-4, a year which saw Ole Miss defeat Marshall in the first Ford Motor City Bowl in Pontiac, Mich., and rank 22nd in the final polls.
Clingan, who earned his second letter in 1997, drew starts at strong safety against Vanderbilt, Tennessee, and Mississippi State. He was credited with 32 tackles and broke up two passes during the regular season. He also had five tackles in the bowl game.
During his 1996 freshman campaign, Clingan played in all 11 games and earned his first letter. His only start came against Arkansas State. He had 22 tackles as a freshman and intercepted a pass against Auburn. The Ole Miss Quarterback Club selected him as its Defensive Player of the Week for the Alabama game when he had four tackles and broke up a pass.
Clingan, who was redshirted in 1995, also lettered in tack in 1996, participating in the 100 meter hurdles, the 400 meter hurdles, and the 4 x 100 meter relay.
Clingan is married to the former Allison Brady of Pontotoc and they are the parents of one son, Blake (3).
