Cal Football: From France Via Kansas, Bears Land Intriguing D-Line Prospect

Cal is taking a chance on a 6-foot-6, 270-pound rush end who grew up in Paris, France and got his introduction to American football last fall at Independence Community College in Kansas.

Tidiane Jalloh announced on social media that he has committed to Cal after also being recruited by Iowa State, Kansas State, South Florida, Bowling Green, Georgia Southern and Toledo.

The outside linebacker played in six games for Independence CC, which also produced former Cal defensive standout Kuony Deng. Jalloh made eight tackles last season.

But his length and potential attracted attention and his recruitment reportedly gained momentum since last season. He comes to Cal with three years of eligibility remaining.

The website europeselite.com, which focuses on Europeans playing American football, offered this evaluation of Tidiane:

Tidiane has made significant strides since entering into American competition. His hands are fast, he moves better laterally and is a lot more aggressive than previously seen. His long frame and athletic ability have been used excellent in his new scheme, from interior DL to as a Rush Linebacker he has proved to be a top prospect. The penetration on run stop allows him to disrupt the line massively. In pass destruction he has added more assets that he can use against more experienced and physically imposing OL competition. These improvements have had him achieve recognition that will continue into his college career.

The recruiting website 247Sports rates Jalloh as a three-star junior college recruit, making him the 102nd overall JC prospect and No. 15 among defensive linemen. Rivals also gave him three stars.

How quickly Tidiane is able to adapt to Division I football remains a significant question. Cal’s starting outside linebackers exiting spring ball were David Reese and Myles Jernigan, according to the team’s latest depth chart.

According to his Twitter account, Jalloh will arrive in Berkeley in the wake of the death of his mother, who passed away at the age of 55 late last month.

Cover photo of Tidiane Jalloh by Twitter

Follow Jeff Faraudo of Cal Sports Report on Twitter: @jefffaraudo