Malik Jackson of Southern California says he will transfer to Tennessee and will be eligible for the 2010 season.
Bruce Feldman of ESPN.com first reported the news on Monday night.
The 6-foot-5, 245-pound defensive end is expected to enroll in time for the second session of summer school this week.
The junior has two years of eligibility remaining. Recent NCAA sanctions against USC allow players who are juniors or seniors to transfer without the usual penalty of sitting out a season.
"It wasn't that at all," Jackson told The Los Angeles Times. "I didn't really care about that. I was playing with my buddies, but Tennessee hit me up and they said they needed help at the end spot, that I could come in and help them.
"That sounded better than where I felt I was at with USC."
Lane Kiffin left UT after last season to coach the Trojans.
Jackson was an often-used backup defensive end as a sophomore last season, playing primarily in pass rushing situations. He appeared in all 13 games with 18 tackles, including 3.5 sacks.
As a freshman, he appeared in eight games and had 4 tackles, including 2 sacks for minus 8 yards.
Jackson was a standout player at Birmingham High School in Van Nuys, Calif.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
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Comments » 193
jcherrie#219531 writes:
Hee Hee!
Lostvolinhighweeds writes:
Don't that just make your heart pump peanut butter cookies for poor ol'Lane?
allvol9 writes:
Just great news! Welcome Mr. Jackson...just love the irony of it all.
Joelomite2j writes:
Chuck Smith is gonna have the D-LINE READY TO PLAY!
GO VOLS
skyhawk836 writes:
Where's pl3?
I wonder if this kid likes the Knoxville landscape.
paradisetaxi writes:
awesome !
UTATO93 writes:
Give him a number so I can buy my son his jersey. Malik you are my favorite player.
Bring some OL with you.
realmenwearorange writes:
if we could get some of there OL to that would be great
Lostvolinhighweeds writes:
Can you say "Depth on the D-Line?"
vol49 writes:
if this continues the trolling nay sayers are gonna need more kleenex
Down_The_Field writes:
not bad.
with everyone talking about the need for O-lineman.....and we do need them bad; i've been worried about the D-line. if this guy pans out, he's just subtracted 6-8 plays from the other guys in rotation. this could equate to 1 maybe 2 possessions for much needed rest on a hot september day.
bluetickhound writes:
Oh Laney, Laney, Laney. This is sad for you.
VolInIndy writes:
No wonder coach O was leaving profanity-laced emails for Thompson and co. Hopefully, this isn't the end of the transfers. There was rumors of multiple visitors.
VolInIndy writes:
read he was #2 on the depth chart but played plenty in whaT coach O called and 8 man D-line due to strength of the two-deep.
FWBVol writes:
Derek Dooley has had a great late run in bringing in players for this fall. The guys coming in won't show up in the final recruiting rankings, but there is no doubt this coaching staff has continued to focus on areas of immediate need after spring practice.
memphis_vol_fan writes:
This is big because we lose Walker, Martin, and Williams this year at DE. Adding Jackson will give us some real experience for next year to go along with Miller, Bohannon, and Jac. Smith.
tmartin writes:
PLEASE BRING FRIENDS!!
skyhawk836 writes:
I understand context Junior as do many other posters on the Jabriel Washington thread (BTW, I did answer your latest on that thread).
Nothing I nor anyone else said over there misrepresented the context of your statements.
You trashed west Tennessee (flat- true; ugly- opinion)and we responded.
No cubicle; I've coached and principaled here for 26 years, hauled prospects to Knoxville and everywhere else. Never once heard one of them talk about the scenery along the way or refer to Knoxville as a white town. That's all you.
tlvol writes:
This says alot for Dooley and Co. Of all the schools he picks Tenn and a first year coach when he only has two years of eligibility remaining. He must have alot of confidence in the ability to make it to the post season. Hopefully many more will follow.
bigorangesimi writes:
This is from VolQuest. I thought some of you guys might want to read it.
Now former Southern Cal junior defensive end Malik Jackson got several phone calls after the NCAA handed down its punishment to the Trojans, but only one really intrigued him and that was Tennessee.
After a month of talking to the Vols coaches and visiting Knoxville, the 6-foot-4, 270-pound end is leaving the west coast for Rocky Top.
"Tennessee called me on Friday and told me that they had all my paperwork and that everything was in," Jackson said. "I am in still in California, but I am leaving in the morning (Tuesday) to go to Tennessee to start school and to get ready to play."
As a sophomore last season, Jackson was used primarily in third down situations and recorded 18 tackles, 3.5 sacks, a forced fumble and two pass deflections. Jackson finished spring practice in Los Angeles second on the depth chart at one of the defensive end positions and the Northridge, Calf., native just felt like a change was needed.
"I felt like it wasn't going to be like I thought it was going to be with the new coaching staff and things," Jackson said. "Tennessee sounded good to me, and I thought why not make a change. I wouldn't have left had it not been for the sanctions, but when they came down it was kind of like a free pass and I took it."
After visiting Knoxville in mid-June, Jackson liked what he saw with the campus and what he heard from the coaching staff.
"I liked it a lot," Jackson said. "I didn't get to see all of campus. I saw the facilities. It was cool. I liked it all and all. I got to talk to coach Dooley and the defensive line coach and the defensive coordinator. It seems like a really good fit for me with how they want to do things.
"After visiting there I went home and thought about it for a few weeks and decided it was the place for me.
"I was kind of surprised when they called me after the sanctions came down. I never looked at Tennessee when I was in high school, but once I started talking to them I liked them."
Upon arriving this week, Jackson's plan is to get down to business and get to work.
"My plan is to go to Tennessee, put in some hard work and earn a spot somewhere with coach (Justin) Wilcox's defense. I am not going to be given anything, and I don't expect it. My mindset is the same as it was at USC and that's to go in and work as hard as I can and earn my place."
Coming out of Birmingham High School in 2008, Jackson was a four-star prospect and was ranked as the 10th-best weakside defensive end in the country.
VolinCalif writes:
tivol
Dooley is only a first year coach at UT. Any player looking at UT will love the staff. none are beginners and all have a great record. With Jackson coming you can just bet others are looking at the Vols. Very good OL are warming the pine at USCw my bet is they are looking very hard at our needs. This is a great chance to shine and a chance to show NFL scouts their stuff. Believe me they are looking
GBO
bigorangesimi writes:
"The sanctions weren't the (number one reason) to transfer," he said. "The sanctions just opened up an opportunity for me to leave. I just felt like this opportunity came up. Tennessee told me what they had on the table and I thought about it a lot. I just came to the decision to go to Tennessee."
Jackson discussed his transfer with the USC coaching staff, including head coach Lane Kiffin, position coach Ed Orgeron and defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin.
"They weren't too happy about it," Jackson said. "Coach Kiffin said if I want to leave, I can leave. Coach (Monte) Kiffin said it's a bad decision but we'll only know if I make it."
OrangePsyched writes:
Wow kudos to CDD and staff. I think that our defense will be SEC ready for the fall. If our offensive line gels a little and the QB's don't hurt us with turnovers we can win most games. I did not say we will but we can win most games. I'm not sure how many stars he has trolls but I'm sure that he's pretty good. Hope he brings one or two more with him.
Cldvols1 writes:
How ironic this is!lol
n2thecheckerboards2 writes:
The defensive line just got an upgrade folks
VolinCalif writes:
A PS. OFF subject but you might like to know about Jackson's High School.
Birmingham High school in Van Nuys was once one of the dominate high school football programs in The LA area. That was in the late 50's and 60's and it had an all state swim team. Also Michael Jackson and some of his brothers, Garmain (sp'ing) for sure, went to Birmingham along with a great actor named Michael Landen. But what I was getting at is that Birmingham has a good sports program. Sorry for being off subject but if any of you get a chance to talk to Jackson knowing a little about his H. School could come in handy and for sure he'll tell others,
VolinCalif writes:
Yes Iknow. But I'm poor on Names and worse on spelling. that whay I was a 1's and 0 man in Engr.
txsvol#372416 writes:
I'm sure that Lame, Monte, and Ed told Malik that, if he didn't want to stay at SC, with probation and all, that he would really enjoy playing in Knoxville! (Sarcasm intended!) Malik Jackson is listed as being from Birmingham (whether that is a school in CA or the city in AL, I haven't bothered to research). Great pickup! The SC squad has several big uglies on the OL (Coleman, Heberer, Lewis) and DL (Fangupo and Harris) if Jackson is starting a trend! Go Vols! SAVol
VolfanKY writes:
He was a 4 star coming out of high school, and the 10th best weakside defensive end in the country. This guy is gonna add a lot of depth and experience to a thin defensive line. GBO!
VolinCalif writes:
Why! Why after almost 78 years can't I spell Why
txsvol#372416 writes:
And, Wes Rucker of the Chattanooga Times-Free Press says that Malik is up to 270#, thus big enough to play DT, although plans initially are for him to line up at DE. Malik is quoted as saying that it doesn't matter--anything to get him on the field! SAVol
ThugTillIDie writes:
How can I get a Malik Jackson jersey? I want one NOW!
MiserableFloridaVol writes:
If I were Derek Dooley, I'd have an apartment on campus at USC for the next two years cause I'd be spending so much time recruiting their kids. Let's raid their cupboard!!!
merlin35525 writes:
now with a good DE i can wait wait to play usc in a bowl game.. O wait they cant go to a bowl game. o well there loss our gain.. so sugar bowl here we come.
lennon3804#538216 writes:
I bet currently their are players (Sophmore through Seniors) setting down at USC deciding if to leave and where to go if they leave. the Elite Sophmore rarely stays the full 4 years so no Bowl games or BCS championships realistically for them.
Those that aren't tied by their love of the University itself, familial issues that keep them from leaving (wives,children,etc.)
I think it would be wise to find a top 20 team that has a system they could adjust to so they can showcase their skills for the next couple of years and hopefullu get a shot at a BCS bowl : Whether it is fair or not there is just a dark cloud tha hovers for a while when you lose scholarships, and Bowls much less both.
What if we hear that 5-6 skilled players were transferring to UCLA? Does the NCAA specify that is has to be out of the conference.
Unlikely I know SC really loathes UCLA...But to see the look on kiffin face, It might top the look on Spurriers face when he was throwing his visor aroung the year we won the BCS.
I truly do not hate KIffin, He saw his job of a lifetime (he thought) and felt he had to grab it. Must of us, if we live long enough meake several regrettable decisions, who knows, this may play out well for him in the end after this initial nightmare.
Not a fan o his by any means thought he did us dirty, but.... I have added a new weapon to my arsenal of socail intereactions...the weapon of forgiveness..and I an not even Religous
always_vol (Inactive) writes:
Gonna be quite a culture shock....
keepitreal4vols writes:
Are you using a typewriter?
PoopDeckPappy writes:
In the latest pics of the guy he doesn't look 270# and is listed at 245. I hope he has put on some weight though because we only have 4 true DTs with only 2 of those having any experience.
richvol writes:
I would suggest that Wilcox and Smith will find the best spot to put him but he will definately see alot of the field this season. This player was going to be a big part of USC's defense this year. Great get and it just seems to get better every day around Knoxville.
CroKev writes:
It would be nice to see a list of other USC juniors & seniors who have defected (maybe Jackson is only the first). BTW, did Seantrel Henderson sign with USC? If so, I thought only jrs. & srs. had the option of transferring.
It really would be interesting to see why Malik chose UT. I mean of all the places he could have gone (nearby UCLA, etc.-he is a California native), I wonder if he really wanted to stick it to Kiffin, Orgeron, etc. On the positive side, maybe he just wanted to be coached by Chuck Smith so that he could be ready for the NFL. Anyway, could be a very interesting article (hint, hint, KNS...).
CroKev writes:
Just read in the LATimes that UT contacted him a week after the sanctions and told him of their need. Way to go UT staff!
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-n...
dvhill100 writes:
I guess turn around is fair play after what the outgoing coaches tried to pull on our recruits when they left.
Welcome aboard. Keep out of trouble and dominate on the field.
CroKev writes:
Just read on VolNation that starting USC OT Tyron Smith (former 5*) is looking at the Vols (he will be a Junior). Wouldn't that be a kicker!
VolinCalif writes:
A Type Writer? Hmmmm What the heck is a Type Writer?
I Seem to remember something about that name. Is it one of them folks that rewrite things for you?
VolinCalif writes:
I hope you are right and the trend has started. Well it's 1:22 and I need to give it up for the night. Go Vols Reel them DD
brokebackvol writes:
Lovin' Lane's karma biting him in the whoops!
wags32 writes:
My transmission just went out of my vehicle but this makes the pain go away!!! Screw you Lane!!!!!!!! hahahhahhhah!!!
nola_vol writes:
Dude! If u been texting and using auto-spellcheck for 78 years... I'm amazd u can spell yur mddl initial!
CadmiumOchre (Inactive) writes:
No need to puzzle. I believe a previous poster hit it on the head stating other USCw players are looking this way and why. Jrs and Srs are nearly out of time. If they leave, they will be probably backups who now have an opportunity to play where they will get noticed for the NFL draft sooner than than they would getting pine splinters at USCw and being out of the limelight due to sanctions against USCw.
They could go to a variety of colleges (except PAC-10 if I understand rightly) so when broken down what do you have?
1. Major program with serious TV exposure of games. Tenn.
2. Program in immediate need of the position you play. Tenn.
3. Program you have a HIGH probably of being a starter. Tenn.
4. Program safe from NCAA penalties. Tenn.
5. Program with both high quality opponent competition and coaches that can get you to the next level. Tenn.
I am 100% sure they would be gladly accepted at some other fine programs. But when you put all this together, for most of them Tenn. simply makes the most sense. Then you look at Dooley's high profile VFL and other VERY positive things being said about the UT since Dooley's arrival and it would be almost foolhardy for these players to go elsewhere.
d_ray writes:
What if Kiffin is telling the players that want to transfer....that they are welcome at UT Knoxville? In an attempt to apologize to us..... hmmmmmmmmm
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