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Florida State

Mike Norvell announces postseason eligibility 'will be a reality' for FSU DT Darrell Jackson

IMG_6598by:Nick Kosko•09/27/23•

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(Ehsan Kassim/Tallahassee Democrat / USA TODAY NETWORK)

Florida State head coach Mike Norvell revealed defensive tackle Darrell Jackson could have postseason eligibility.

Norvell said it “will be a reality” that Jackson is back after the regular season, per Warchant. Jackson transferred to Miami from Maryland before coming to Florida State, but was not granted a waiver to immediately play in 2023.

Originally, Jackson was slated to sit out the entire year. But it looks like now he’ll be able to suit up for the Seminoles.

“Postseason will be a reality for Darrell as we get to that point,” Norvell said. “And so you know, he’s working, I’ve been really proud of him. I think he’s getting good work, he’s approaching every day the way we want him to approach it. You know, he’s getting better, he’s continuing to push. He’s trying to go in every week as if he was playing which you know, it’s hard for young man that knows that (he’s not) going to be able to get on the field on Saturday.”

Norvell really admired the way Jackson approached practice every week and is glad he could return to the field before too long.

“But still, to get their mindset and their approach that you know, this is the most important rep in my life and I think he’s doing that,” Norvell said. “You know, you see an improvement out there on the practice field and you’re just excited for what that’s going to be when he’s cleared to play.”

Shortly after his waiver was denied, Jackson explained his reaction to the news.

“It was hurtful,” Jackson said. “Because I know what I came home for. I came home for my Mom. So, I’m just trying to get through it and be here for my Mom. She thinks it’s her fault but it’s not. I’ll continue to be there for my Mom and see how things play out.”

Over the course of the last two seasons with the Terrapins and Hurricanes, Jackson had 49 total tackles, 26 solo tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and one pass deflection.

As a member of the Class of 2021, Jackson was a three-star recruit out of Havana (Fla.) Gadsen County, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 97 overall prospect in the state, the No. 77 EDGE in the class and the No. 739 overall prospect in the class.