Mike Norvell addresses Darrell Jackson waiver denial by NCAA

Florida State got disappointing news in recent days when it learned that Darrell Jackson‘s waiver for immediate eligibility following a transfer from Miami had been denied by the NCAA. Jackson transferred in part to be closer to his mother, who is dealing with a medical condition. FSU coach Mike Norvell called the NCAA’s decision ‘sad.’

“He made the choice personally to be there to help support his family,” Norvell said. “And I respect him for that. It’s just even in disappointing news just how he’s responded, the way that he’s worked, he’s a special human being. It’s just sad.”

Jackson spent last season at Miami after transferring from Maryland. He started 11 games for the Hurricanes in 2022, recording 27 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss and 3.0 sacks.

He was expected to be an immediate contributor for Florida State up front.

There’s still some hope at Florida State that an appeals process may get the NCAA to reverse the decision on the Darrell Jackson waiver, though how likely that is to happen is unclear.

“We’re going to continue to evaluate to see if there is,” Norvell said. “Right now it’s we went through a process and that’s the feedback that we have.

“Obviously there’s still processes that we’re looking at going through, but we did get an update there at the end of last week.”

Norvell said Jackson is clearly hurting following the decision, but he praised the veteran for staying focused on helping himself and the team by giving it his all at every turn.

Jackson has apparently been the model athlete in practice.

“The thing that’s been incredible about it, I think this is our third practice and just watching Darrell work, probably the very next day after we told him had his best practice since he’s been here,” Norvell said. “Like I told him, I think he’s got an incredible future. We’re going to continue to go through the process of whatever is ahead, but if he’s not able to play in games this fall we’re still going to push, develop and do everything we can to put him in the best position to be one of the best defensive linemen in the country.

“I think he has an incredible future in front of him. He will play this game for a long time, Lord willing he stays healthy. It’s unfortunate he’s not going to have the opportunity right now to play this season.”

Make no mistake about it, though, the Darrell Jackson waiver decision is a blow to Florida State.

“Obviously I’m extremely disappointed in it,” Norvell said. “For that young man and just the journey and the reason, the reason why he’s here. Just sad that he’s going to miss games.”