NCAA Football-San Jose State Spartans vs USC Trojans

USC defensive end Malik Jackson is transferring to Tennessee, according to a report from Bruce Feldman of ESPN.

Feldman announced the move on Twitter Monday.

Jackson, a 6-foot-5, 245-pound junior, was a backup for the Trojans last season. He appeared in 13 games, recording 18 tackles and 3.5 sacks. He was competing this spring for a starting job on the defensive line and was performing well according to assistant head coach Ed Orgeron.

Jackson's departure could well be the first of many for USC. Because of recent NCAA sanctions against the program, players with more than two years of used eligibility (juniors and seniors) are allowed to transfer schools without penalty -- NCAA rules typically require transfers to sit out for a year.

USC players may not, however, transfer without penalty within the Pac-10 conference.

The Trojans are deep at the defensive line position, but Jackson's transfer hurts them regardless. And I imagine it stings coach Lane Kiffin particularly hard that Jackson chose to transfer to Tennessee, the program Kiffin just left.

We'll keep you updated as more information becomes available.

To reach editor Patrick Crawley, click here.