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Ranking all five Tennessee Lady Vols newcomers by potential impact

By Caleb Calhoun

Mississippi State forward Rickea Jackson (5) looks to pass during a NCAA basketball game between Tennessee and Mississippi State, at Thompson-Boling Arena on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020.Ladyvolsms0206 0227
Mississippi State forward Rickea Jackson (5) looks to pass during a NCAA basketball game between Tennessee and Mississippi State, at Thompson-Boling Arena on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020.Ladyvolsms0206 0227 /
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Mar 7, 2020; Greenville, SC, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Rickea Jackson (5) shoots against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2020; Greenville, SC, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Rickea Jackson (5) shoots against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Transfer from Mississippi State Bulldogs

Related Story. Ranking departing Lady Vols by toughest to replace. light

Nobody is questioning this one. Rickea Jackson plays the position of greatest need for the Tennessee Lady Vols, and she has the highest level of proven production against the toughest competition of anybody on this list. A former leading scorer in the SEC, Jackson entered the transfer portal back in January.

At 6’2″, she is a power forward, exactly where UT needs the most help with the departures of Alexus Dye and Karoline Striplin. Before entering the portal this past year, Jackson averaged over 20 points and nearly seven rebounds with MSU. She also averaged one and a half blocks and just under a steal, so she truly did it all.

When you add in the fact that she shot 73 percent from the free throw line, it’s clear Jackson has just the proper amount of finesse and post play to be the perfect power forward in Kellie Harper’s system. As a result, she’ll almost certainly immediately step in and start there.

Next. Ranking all 10 returning Lady Vols for 2022-23. dark

No player increased expectations for the Tennessee Lady Vols in 2022-2023 than Jackson. Getting such a high-caliber SEC veteran is a huge deal, and although Jasmine Franklin is also coming, Jackson is clearly the star of the group. She could become UT’s best player next year.