Local standout Jalil Tucker transfers home to San Diego State from Oregon

Jalil Tucker was a four-star cornerback out of Lincoln High School whose college commitment two years ago was revealed on local television with drama and fanfare.

At least that was the plan.

Tucker’s father inadvertently blurted out where his son was headed, telling KUSI “He’s a good kid … I know he’s going to represent Oregon well,” moments before Jalil pulled out a Ducks ballcap and put it on his head.

Tucker redshirted as a true freshman last season at Oregon — he made one tackle while playing seven snaps against Eastern Washington in his only game action — and last month put his name in the NCAA transfer portal.

Saturday, he chose San Diego State.

There were clues he was considering the Aztecs. This week, he posted four photos on the same account wearing a No. 9 SDSU jersey. One of the photos included Tucker pictured with Aztecs wide receivers coach Jonathan Krause.

SDSU can’t comment on potential transfers until they have signed a grant-in-aid.
Tucker did not immediately respond to a request for comment. He confirmed his commitment to SDSU in a midday tweet, which listed his position as wide receiver.

SDSU’s secondary already has significant experience and depth, but the Aztecs are looking for a couple of wide receivers. That led to speculation that Tucker would switch to the offensive side of the ball.

The 6-foot, 180-pound Tucker was a two-way standout for the Hornets who was most coveted as a cornerback, but also regarded among the county’s top receivers.

As a senior, he had 21 receptions for 296 yards and four touchdowns.

One thing that sets him apart is speed. In 2022, Tucker was the top-rated sprinter in the San Diego Section.

SDSU coach Brady Hoke said recently that he expected the Aztecs to add as many as eight players from the portal. Positions of emphasis are offensive line and defensive line, tight end and wide receiver.

Commitments to this point had come from former Louisville tight end Dez Melton and former TCU safety Deshawn McCuin.