Memphis football LB Ja'Len Sims enters transfer portal

Evan Barnes, Memphis Commercial Appeal
·1 min read
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Memphis football linebacker Ja'Len Sims entered the ransfer portal Friday and confirmed his decision in a message to The Commercial Appeal.

Sims wasn't listed on the Tigers' roster prior to spring practice. Last year as a sophomore, he appeared in all 12 games, mostly on special teams, with just one tackle. He played in 16 games over three seasons.

Sims, a former three-star recruit from Fultondale, Alabama, was the Tigers' third-highest ranked player in their 2019 class, the last signed under former coach Mike Norvell. Interestingly, the four highest-ranked players from that class are no longer at Memphis.

Memphis Tigers linebacker Ja'Len Sims catches a pass during warmups before their game against the Arkansas State Red Wolves at Centennial Bank Stadium in Jonesboro, Ark. On Sept. 11, 2021.
Memphis Tigers linebacker Ja'Len Sims catches a pass during warmups before their game against the Arkansas State Red Wolves at Centennial Bank Stadium in Jonesboro, Ark. On Sept. 11, 2021.

Linebacker Cole Mashburn, the top-ranked 2019 signee, announced before the spring that he had to medically retire. Defensive end Jalil Clemons transferred to Southern Miss after this season and defensive end Joseph Honeysucker transferred to Middle Tennessee in 2020.

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Others who transferred from that class include receiver Tahj Washington (USC), defensive lineman Morris Joseph (Georgia Tech), defensive back Jashon Watkins-Perkins (Tennessee State) and defensive end Everitt Cunningham (Southern Miss).

Several 2019 signees remain top contributors for the Tigers. Safety Rodney Owens, center Jacob Likes and running back Rodrigues Clark and wide receiver Javon Ivory all started games last season, as did lineman Matt Dale.

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You can reach Evan Barnes on Twitter (@Evan_B) or by email at evan.barnes@commercialappeal.com

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis linebacker Ja'Len Sims enters transfer portal