Former Texas A&M transfer defender Malick Sylla breaks down Mississippi State decision
In the end, former Texas A&M transfer defensive lineman Malick Sylla was simply looking for a better opportunity. On Sunday evening the former On3 four-star prospect did just that and signed with Mississippi State.
Sylla becomes the 13th transfer signee for the Bulldogs and the second of the day, joining former Kentucky center Koby Keenum who announced earlier on Sunday. The former Katy (Texas) High School standout is also former high school teammates with State players Seth Davis and Hunter Washington.
“It was just the best opportunity for myself,” explained the 6-foot-6 and 245-pound Sylla. “I saw an opportunity to help them turn the program around. I have one year left and I want to make the most of that opportunity.”
During his career with the Aggies, Sylla totaled 26 tackles with four sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss. This past season he totaled six tackles with two sacks and two tackles for loss. For the Bulldogs, Sylla has the ability to play defensive end as well as edge linebacker in State’s defensive scheme.
“I feel like I’m a very versatile guy,” Sylla remarked. “I can fit into a lot of schemes. I can be the edge rusher they need and also run by people. I can come in and dominate, basically.”
Top 10
- 1New
Predicting AP Top 25
Top 10 shakeup coming
- 2
Duce Robinson commits
FSU lands highly-rated transfer WR
- 3Hot
Kirk Herbstreit
Shot fired at First Take, Stephen A. Smith
- 4
Ohio State vs. Oregon odds
Early Rose Bowl line released
- 5
Updated CFP Bracket
Quarterfinal matchups set
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
Sylla officially visited Mississippi State earlier in the week and also officially visited Syracuse a couple of days ago. During his time in Starkville, Sylla got a good view of his future with the Bulldogs and favored the plan he was hearing from defensive coordinator Coleman Hutzler and defensive line coach David Turner.
“It was really about the coaches on that visit,” recalled Sylla. “I enjoyed being around Coach Hutzler and Coach David Turner. He talked about the plan they had for me and I like what they’re trying to get done there. I like the plan they have for me to help me reach my potential.”
Another perk behind Sylla’s decision was not leaving the SEC. He wanted to start and finish his college career in the SEC and now he gets that opportunity in a different maroon-colored jersey.
“That was the main thing,” Sylla noted of staying in the SEC. “I didn’t want to be in another conference.”
