Pair of Underrated WVU Football Additions Rank High on List of Top Transfers

In an effort to find untapped talent around the country, WVU has mixed in adding transfers from Group of 5 or FCS programs with bigger names out of major conference schools. A couple of these type of players are being recognized as two of the best such moves in the nation.

Both defensive lineman T.J. Jackson and cornerback Kekoura Tarnue were included on On3 Sports’ list of the top Group of 5/FCS transfers in the Big 12.

Jackson, who has garnered praise all offseason as one of the highest graded defensive transfers overall, ranks at No. 3.

Top 10 G5/FCS Transfers to the BIG 12, according to the@On3sports Industry Comparison💥https://t.co/dfiddkRUg0 pic.twitter.com/OaNotj0BZj

— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal_) July 10, 2024

PFF also ranks Jackson as one of their highest graded defensive transfers. They have Jackson with a grade of 89.7, tying him with Indiana cornerback D’Angelo Ponds for third on their list. Jackson is also the highest graded player at his position, ranking well ahead of other defensive tackles.

Jackson moved on from Troy after four years and 91 total tackles, 21 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks. The 6-foot-1, 262-pound edge rusher helped lead the Trojans to back-to-back conference titles and was named an All-Sun Belt first-team player in 2022. He posted 15.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks that season.

Hype for WVU DL Intensifies After Rank Among Defensive Transfers

He’s taking the same path as some of his new coaches by going from Troy to West Virginia, namely his head coach Neal Brown and defensive coordinator Jordan Lesley.

Jackson’s signing came only a week after his visit and then commitment to the Mountaineers.

WV Sports Now reached out to the defensive end after he posted a cryptic emoji of a lock on X (Twitter) while on campus. Jackson told WVSN that he decided to make his visit a a two-day trip because he was enjoying himself so much.

“Loving it out here. Love the coaches and how they’re treating me and my family,” said Jackson about his visit.

Joining Jackson, Taruna clocks in at No. 8 on On3’s latest ranking.

Tarnue, 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, signed with West Virginia in early May after playing one season with Jacksonville State for Rich Rodriguez. Tarnue recorded 53 tackles, with two being for loss. Tarnue also had three interceptions during his junior season. The Monrovia, Liberia native previously played at Rochester Community and Technical College in Minnesota. Tarnue played at Coon Rapids High School as well.

Tarnue will be entering his senior season next year.