Kearis Jackson announces decision to leave Georgia, go pro

Georgia wide receiver Kearis Jackson told folks in the locker room after Monday’s National Championship Game that he would have an announcement on his future plans sometime soon. That time came on Saturday as the senior announced he’ll be headed to the pros.

“First and foremost, I’d like to thank God, because without him, none of this would be possible. I would like to thank my parents for their steadfast love and support in all facets of my life. I’d like to thank them for teaching me solid values and core principles, such as integrity, ambition, determination, leadership and perseverance,” Jackson wrote. “I was always taught to complete whatever task that I start and to never give up on my dreams. I am thankful to be blessed with compassion and humility. These attributes have allowed me to remain humble along my journey and to help others while on my path to greatness. I would like to thank my mom for being my first coach and for teaching me self-discipline. Thank you for all the sacrifices you have made. I am forever grateful.”

“Next, I would like to thank the historic University of Georgia and all the special people who have impacted my life along my journey. I’d like to thank all my coaches especially Coach Smart, Coach B Mac and my specialty coaches. I’d like to thank my high school coaches at Peach County High School, my mentors, friends and all who have helped me to develop into the athlete and the man that I’ve become,” he continued. “Thank you Dawg Nation for your continuous support. I’m grateful to have played in front of packed stadiums all over the nation filled with UGA friends overflowing with Georgia pride. I’m thankful for the tremendous leadership opportunities the University of Georgia has allowed me. I am grateful to have been on a special team of brothers who have won two National Championships for the fans and supporters of the Georgia Bulldogs. I’m honored to have received my Bachelor’s Degree from this prestigious university. I will forever cherish my teammates and administrators over the years. It has been an honor to represent the University of Georgia, and I’m excited to start my next chapter by declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft.”

Thank You Georgia. 🤞🏾❤️ pic.twitter.com/okejYf8Luz

— Kearis Jackson (@king_kearis) January 14, 2023

Jackson played in all 30 games for Georgia during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, both of which ended with national championships. He might not have been quite as productive as many would have hoped but was a key contributor nonetheless with a combined 37 catches for 514 yards and a touchdown. There were some clutch catches too during that span including an impressive 30-yarder against Mississippi State on his way to a season-high four catches and 69 yards, plus a crucial 35-yard-catch that he hauled in on the final drive of the Ohio State semifinal win.

The reason hopes were so high for Jackson headed into 2021 and 2022 was because of what he did in 2020. The Peach County product led the team in receiving with 36 catches and 514 yards. He hauled in three touchdown catches as well. Jackson’s most impressive game, both of that season and of his career, came in a top-10 primetime showdown against rival Auburn as he caught nine passes for 147 yards. The next week against Tennessee he followed that up with four receptions for 91 yards and his first career touchdown. There were scores against Florida and Mississippi State as well. Jackson also had a hand in the kickoff and punt return game throughout his career, finishing with the league’s longest punt return in 2020.

Jackson graduated from Georgia in 2021 with a degree in Housing Management & Policy. Jackson was named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team as a senior in 2022. He also served as a student representative on the UGA Athletics Board of Directors and was a representative for UGA at the SEC Football Leadership Council in 2020.