Bringing in a transfer, especially on the defensive side of the ball, can be a dicey situation. That player needs to fit into a particular scheme as well as fit in with his new teammates.
Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t.
Oregon brought in corner Christian Gonzalez from Colorado and it was an absolute home run. He was a first-team all-conference player and should a first-round NFL draft pick this week.
The Ducks are going to the well once again with former Alabama corner Khyree Jackson and so far, it might be another homer for the home team. According to cornerbacks coach Demetrice Martin, Jackson is a transfer that hasn’t needed to adjust to the system and visa versa.
“You know, he’s a longer guy. He’s got a lot of exposure, some good ball skills, and then one of the things in the place that he comes from that is a very similar style of defense,” Martin said of the former Crimson Tide corner. “Our defense is probably not free-agent friendly. So it’s guys that have been in the system and know the terminology and know some of the fits and adjustments that usually thrive.”
Jackson came to Oregon for more playing time than he was receiving in Tuscaloosa. In two seasons, he just played in 13 games and has 14 tackles to his credit. Oregon isn’t expecting Jackson to be another Gonzalez, but at least he has the underlying tools to come close to the home run transfer Gonzalez was.
With his experience and talent, the Duck coaching staff doesn’t have to worry about Jackson fitting in. They can just let him go out and play ball.