Mark Stoops expects D'Eryk Jackson to return this season

Kentucky linebacker D’Eryk Jackson is expected to return to game action earlier than expected. After suffering a torn Achilles tendon in spring practice, Mark Stoops has confirmed that the sophomore out of Dublin, GA is back on the field practicing with the team.

“He’s been out there practicing,” Stoops said during his call-in show Monday evening. “Getting closer.”

Could he play at some point this season?

“Yes,” he added.

Jackson underwent surgery on what was expected to be a season-ending injury back in April. He tore his Achilles during warmups in a non-contact incident.

At the time, Jackson was playing his way into a starting position for the Wildcats at the MIKE linebacker position. He was seen as a potential replacement for Jamin Davis, a first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

As a true freshman in 2020, Jackson played in nine games, recording four tackles and one interception. He was previously a mid-year enrollee back in January 2020.

Jackson signed with Kentucky as a three-star prospect out of high school, with 247Sports listing him as the No. 47 inside linebacker in the nation. He chose the Wildcats over Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Purdue, among other options.

The three-time All-Region 2AAAA selection led his team in tackles three straight seasons as a starter. As a senior, Jackson tallied 129 total tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss, nine sacks, four quarterback hurries and an interception en route to Region 2AAAA Defensive Player of the Year honors by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Could the standout linebacker return to action in the coming weeks? Stoops is optimistic.