Former Damascus standout and redshirt freshman wide receiver Jalen Christian is set to transfer from the South Carolina football program, Gamecocks head coach Will Muschamp reportedly announced after practice on Thursday.
Christian also took to Twitter on Friday night, saying that he is leaving because of family reasons and “to be closer to home.”
Jalen Christian 2️⃣ on Twitter
Jalen Christian 2️⃣ on Twitter
https://t.co/MSTdfB7uTp
“Jalen’s got some things at home that he needs to handle,” Muschamp reportedly said. “It’s very personal to him.”
In 2014, he carried the ball 50 times for 437 yards and two scores for Damascus High School. Christian also caught 19 passes for 276 yards and five touchdowns in a run-heavy offense. He also served as the teams top defensive back in the Swarmin’ Hornets state championship appearance.
A lot of wondering comes to mind when Christian says he wants “to be closer to home” — is the University of Maryland a possibility? Many people around the Terps football program say that it’s a strong landing spot for the local receiver. But it will remain a tossed around rumor until further notice.
Other schools like Temple, Virginia, Virginia Tech and West Virginia, who offered Christian in high school, would all possibly fit the “being closer to home” needs.
For Christian, landing with Maryland makes a lot of sense. He would be about a half an hour away from home instead of many hours. He would also reunite with high school teammate, current UMD running back Jake Funk, and numerous of other in-state football players.
Christian brings a versatile athletic package to the table with lightning speed.
He was an ESPN 300 recruit and though listed as a wide receiver, his 5-foot-10 and 165 pound frame allows him to play slot-back and kick-returner as well.
“He’s handling it like a man would,” Muschamp reportedly said. ” I’m proud of him. We’re going to do everything we can do to help him transfer and get to a place closer to home. That’s where he needs to be at this time.”
