JUCO DL Dennious Jackson Commits to Kentucky: 'There's Nothing Like SEC Football'
JUCO defensive lineman Dennious Jackson has committed to Kentucky, he tells KSR+. He will be enrolling in mid-July.
The 6-foot-5, 335-pound defensive lineman is originally from the Atlanta area. He most recently played at Contra Costa (San Pablo, CA) College where he was contacted by Kentucky’s defensive backs coach Chris Collins before eventually being offered by defensive line coach Anwar Stewart and defensive coordinator Brad White. He hasn’t taken an official visit there yet.
“I’m loving the situation I’ve got over there,” Jackson said. “I’m a southern boy. There’s nothing like SEC football. It’s like a religion down here.”
Growing up in Georgia, Jackson followed SEC football since he was a kid. Kentucky was always a school he kept an eye on.
“They’re definitely a team I followed growing up,” he said. “I always liked them. It’s something I’m really excited about. Hearing from them was a surprise.”
Dennious Jackson’s Game
Dennious Jackson will join Kentucky’s 2024 roster with two years of eligibility remaining. He is hoping to be granted an additional third year.
“I’m definitely a power rusher when I come off the ball,” Jackson said. “I would say I’m more of a run stuffer than getting sacks, but it’s not something I shy away from. When I go and sack the quarterback, I’ll usually mess him up in some type of way.”
Jackson also considers his ability to clog lanes one of his greatest strengths. It also helps his linebackers.
“I had some of the top linebackers in JUCO in California when I was out there,” Jackson said. “They didn’t see a pulling guard all year. They definitely enjoy my presence on the field. I like to bring that energy wherever I go.”
While Jackson was mainly utilized as a run-stuffer, he wants to expand his game at Kentucky. Now, he’s ready to show his pass-rushing ability.
“Hopefully, I can get to the quarterback a few more times if that’s how they want to use me,” he said. “I know with someone like Coach [Anwar] Stewart, I’m going to have that skill locked down.”
The Kentucky coaches kept their pitch simple; they see Jackson as a force.
“They really want someone to join all the studs on their D-line,” Jackson said. “I’m watching their games and looking at some of the film. Those guys on that D-Line are monsters, especially Deone [Walker]. I’m hoping I can be a good hole filler and clog up that middle. Something I’ve been for my entire football career is being that big man on the field and letting my guys get some stats.”
How Dennious Jackson Got Started with Football
Dennious Jackson will tell you himself: he was a nerd growing up. Jackson loved science, looking at telescopes, and even had his own little microscope as a kid.
Then, Jackson was introduced to basketball. He was immediately hooked on Dwayne Wade and the Miami Heat.
“I actually have a picture with him from a festival I met him at,” Jackson said. “It got me into sports. That was at a really, really young age. I loved seeing The Flash play on TV.”
Then, Jackson was watching TV one day when the Seattle Seahawks were playing. These were the days of The Legion of Boom.
“I saw Kam Chancellor take somebody’s head off,” he said. “I’ve been in love with football ever since.”
Jackson would follow players like Chancellor and Clay Matthews closely. He also watched players like Odell Beckham Jr. and Victor Cruz but always leaned more towards defense.
“I was always a defensive kind of guy,” he said. “I loved shutting down offensive plays.”
Transitioning from High School to JUCO
Coming out of high school, Dennious Jackson made the decision to attend Contra Costa College, a junior college in California. It was a difficult transition for him.
“I come from a very rough background,” Jackson said. “Going out there, I didn’t have the confidence instilled in me as much as I would’ve liked. I was always the big guy in high school. I was always stronger than everybody.”
Jackson was labeled as an “athletic freak” coming out of high school. He had many people telling him that he wasn’t going to be able to have the same results he had in high school at the college level.
“You’re not going to be able to dominate these guys like you did in high school,” Jackson said. Then, I get out here in Cali and I’m going against some really good talent here. That dominance that I had over my competition didn’t stop. I had people telling me that they didn’t think I could play at the highest level, but I always knew in myself that I could get there.”
