PFF Tabs New Mountaineer Highest Graded Transfer DL

In an effort to continue climbing, the Mountaineers have added several transfer players this offseason. PFF is now recognizing one of those additions as the best at his position.

PFF awarded T.J. Jackson, who signed with WVU on Jan. 12, their highest graded transfer defensive tackle across all of FBS. Jackson carries a grade of 89.7, placing him about three points better than the next closest player.

Highest graded transfer Defensive Tackles this off season💪 pic.twitter.com/a2FmU7jJ2o

— PFF College (@PFF_College) February 19, 2024

Jackson is moving on from Troy after four years and recording 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.

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.

Troy Transfer DL T.J. Jackson Officially Joins WVU Football Family

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.

WVU was the first program to send an offer to Jackson after he made his plans to transfer known on Dec. 28. Boston College, Houston, Indiana, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M and even Jacksonville State also offered the highly coveted safety.

Jackson did have to serve a three-game suspension to start the 2023 season for a violation of team rules.