MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama announced Tuesday that three players are transferring into its football program for the 2010 season, led by former Virginia Tech starting linebacker Jake Johnson.
Johnson is joined by running back Kendall Houston, a former Vigor High School standout who transferred from Arkansas State, and linebacker Ben Giles, who comes from Louisiana-Monroe.
Johnson Brings Major-Conference Experience
Johnson, listed at 6-foot-2 and 232 pounds, was recruited out of high school by Virginia Tech, Maryland and Virginia.
He started the first eight games of the 2009 season for the Hokies and led the team in tackles against Alabama. He finished the season tied for fifth on the team with 55 tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.
Johnson lost his starting spot late in the season, and Virginia Tech moved him to defensive end during spring practice. He requested and received his release in May, and South Alabama contacted him after learning he was available.
“It means the world to us to have a guy like him who has experience in big games and can provide that experience to our team,” South Alabama coach Joey Jones said. “He’s going to bring a lot to the table. He’s a hard worker and a leader and we hope that’s going to rub off on our younger players.”
Johnson on Choosing South Alabama
Johnson said the program’s move toward Division I competition and its new facilities drew him to Mobile.
“The main thing that attracted me is it’s going to be a Division I program in a couple of years and we’ll be playing against Division I schools,” Johnson said. “I’ll have three years of football, three years of school here and playing Division I teams, and you can’t beat that.”
He said he was impressed by the fieldhouse, meeting rooms and weight room. “All the facilities are brand-new and the technology is the latest stuff,” Johnson said. “I can’t wait to strap the pads back on and start hitting again.”
Houston Returns Home From Arkansas State
Houston, listed at 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, was an all-state running back at Vigor, where he rushed for more than 2,000 yards and 25 touchdowns in helping the team win the 2008 Class 5A state championship.
He took part in spring practice at Arkansas State but did not play in a regular-season game there. Because the NCAA lists South Alabama as an unclassified program, Houston can play in games during what amounts to his redshirt season in 2010, and he arrives with five seasons of eligibility.
Giles Adds Linebacker Depth
Giles, a high school standout from Pace, Fla., is listed at 6 feet and 235 pounds. He sat out last season at Louisiana-Monroe and has four years of eligibility remaining.
Jones said he recruited Giles previously. “He’s a tough inside linebacker-type player,” Jones said. “He plays tough and he’s a good addition to the team.”
Johnson and Giles join a linebacker group returning from South Alabama’s inaugural 2009 season.
Looking Ahead
South Alabama begins its second season of football this fall, playing home games at Ladd-Peebles Stadium as it continues its transition toward the Football Bowl Subdivision.
