Troy will be without one of the top players in the Sun Belt Conference for the foreseeable future.

Trojans defensive lineman T.J. Jackson has been suspended indefinitely from all team activity for an unspecified violation of team rules, head coach Jon Sumrall announced. Jackson was a first-team All-Sun Belt pick in 2022 and preseason first-team pick this year.

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The Troy athletic department released the following brief statement at Wednesday’s opening practice of preseason camp:

“Troy junior defensive end T.J. Jackson has been suspended indefinitely from all team activity due to a violation of team rules. Troy Athletics will have no additional comment on Jackson or his status with Troy Football.”

The 6-foot-1, 262-pound Jackson emerged as a standout for the Trojans in 2022, leading the team with 14.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks along with 55 tackles and two forced fumbles. A former Stanhope Elmore High School standout, he redshirted in 2020 and played sparingly in 2021 before becoming a starter for the eventual Sun Belt Conference champions as a sophomore last year.

Jackson was one of three returning starters on the Trojans defensive line, along with nose tackle Buddha Jones and Bandit end Richard Jibunor. Jackson, Jibunor and pass-rush specialist Javon Solomon combined for 20 of Troy’s 41 sacks in 2022.

Troy is the preseason favorite to win the Sun Belt Conference West Division, according to a vote by league coaches. The Trojans open the season Sept. 2 at home vs. Stephen F. Austin.