2024 LB Tristan Jernigan commits to Texas A&M Aggies

Chad Simmons updated head shotby:Chad Simmons•05/01/23•

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Tupelo (Miss.) three-star linebacker Tristan Jernigan knew a few weeks ago what his top three schools were: Oregon, Texas A&M and Georgia. Those three were battling it out for the versatile linebacker from the ‘Sip. But after this weekend, he knew where he wanted to go and add his name to the commit board.

On Monday, he made it official by announcing his commitment to Texas A&M, choosing Jimbo Fisher and Co. over the Ducks and Bulldogs.

“Jimbo is building an army, and I’m going to be a part of it,” he told On3. “Guys like me and lots of other guys can build this up into a national championship team.”

The 6-foot, 215-pound Jernigan is the No. 557 overall prospect in the 2024 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He ranks as the country’s No. 61 linebacker and the No. 19 prospect in Mississippi.

Jernigan gives the Aggies a versatile defender at the second level

On3 however, is higher on him than other services, tabbing him as the nation’s No. 36 linebacker and the No. 14 player in his state. His athleticism has made him a dynamic playmaker at the high school level. And that’s exactly what Texas A&M defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin wants him to do in College Station.

“I fit right into their defense,” he said. “Their linebackers move around a lot and I love to run sideline to sideline and make plays.

Jernigan visited all three of his top schools with the past six weeks. And while he was high on both the Ducks and Bulldogs, there was something different about the Aggies.

“The culture is amazing, I mean it’s Texas A&M,” he added. “I love it and they are the best school for me. The coaching staff, the love they showed, the players there, and their facilities. I’m excited to be a part of Texas A&M.”

He is the fifth commitment in the 2024 cycle for Fisher, joining four-star defensive lineman Deayln Evans, four-star offensive lineman Ashton Funk, quarterback Anthony Maddox and wide receiver Debron Gatling.