Florida State's Darrell Jackson gets support from Congress, Farmer | The NoleBook
The support has poured in for Florida State football defensive lineman Darrell Jackson following the NCAA's decision to deny his hardship waiver two weeks ago.
The decision has not just gotten local attention, but action from state lawmakers.
On Thursday, a bipartisan letter signed by 12 Florida congressmen and congresswomen, was sent to the NCAA calling for the association to reconsider Jackson's hardship waiver. This is the third time action has been taken by government officials calling for the NCAA to review Jackson's waiver.
"We, therefore, urge that you reconsider Darrell's hardship waiver, and we respectfully look forward to your prompt response," the letter stated.
Jackson is a two-time transfer.
He transferred to FSU this past offseason from the University of Miami to be closer to his mother, who has a medical condition. Jackson began his college career at Maryland in 2021 before using his one-time transfer to UM.
Jackson grew up in Havana, about 20 minutes away from the FSU campus
On Aug. 8, FSU coach Mike Norvell said the NCAA has denied a hardship waiver request that would have allowed Jackson to play this season.
On Aug. 9, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio sent a letter to NCAA President Charlie Baker "requesting his [Jackson's] hardship be granted a second look".
One week later, Florida's Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis sent a letter to Baker "asking the NCAA to reopen Florida State University (FSU) Defensive Tackle Darrell Jackson, Jr.’s hardship waiver request and make him eligible to play immediately".
The NCAA also denied North Carolina wide receiver Devontez Walker's hardship waiver the same day Jackson's was. He had transferred from Kent State to North Carolina in order to be with his grandmother.
Both players were enrolled at their new schools Jan. 9. The NCAA"s new legislation that "tightened the criteria for undergraduate students who transfer for a second time to be granted a waiver to play immediately" went into effect two days later.
Thursday, FSU defensive lineman Joshua Farmer spoke on Jackson's situation. Farmer played with Jackson at Gadsden County High School and both graduated in 2021.
Farmer has been at FSU since 2021.
"He's mentally tough and he's out here practicing every day very hard," Farmer said. "You couldn't tell that he had all of this going on. He's going every day like there's nothing wrong. He's pretty strong."
When asked about politicians' involvement in Jackson's hardship waiver reconsideration, Farmer said that he thinks there's a good chance it could be overturned.
"I hope it gets overturned," Farmer said. "I would like to play with him."
Observations from FSU's 12th fall camp practice
Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons scouts are in attendance today
Play clock out at practice today. New addition.
I was hit in the head by a ball from the machine during punt return drills. Destyn Hill tried to warn me but was too late. Norvell did ask if I was ok. - Jack Williams. See video here.
Jordan Travis pump fakes to hit Johnny Wilson for the first down. It should be no surprise that these two have had an absolutely electric connection during camp.
Hykeem Williams breaks up a potential interception from K.J. Kirkland. AJ Duffy's pass was off-target and Williams switched to the defensive side to make sure it wasn't picked off.
Jordan Travis to Markeston Douglas for the first down. Nice adjustment on route to get open by Douglas.
Jordan Travis keeper. Maurice Smith and Julian Armella with great blocks to seal off an edge for him to run into.
Braden Fiske gets heavy pressure on Jordan Travis to force a quick throw to Wilson which falls incomplete as the throw is behind him.
Blake Nicholson picks off Tate Rodemaker. Don't know what he was throwing to. Only Nicholson was in the area.
Jordan Travis to Caziah Holmes for a short gainer. Justin Cryer with decent coverage to wrap up play for only short gain.
Another Jordan Travis keeper. If this was live, Byron Turner would have had an excellent shot for a big hit.
Nicholson is having good practice. Is there for another run stop on a rush by Trey Benson.
Brock Glenn screen pass to CJ Campbell for a big gainer. Jaylen Early with a great block to open up room downfield. Hykeem also throws a great block to take out two in the secondary.
Brock Glenn to Hykeem Williams on a well-placed ball. Ja’Bril Rawls had good coverage but the ball was thrown into a good spot. Norvell brings Brock Glenn over to the board to go over the play after it.
Brock Glenn continues to impress. Hits Preston Daniel over the middle of the field for a big gain.
Shyheim Brown makes a great play on the ball and nearly picks off a throw from Tate Rodemaker. Tate Rodemaker has been late and inaccurate a lot today.
Glenn had an open Johnny Wilson and placed the ball perfectly to him. Refs called DPI, but that would’ve been caught.
Braden Fiske got inside for pressure on Tate Rodemaker, he escaped broke outside, and got the ball off, but almost threw another to pick Quindarrius Jones on a dicing attempt on the sidelines.
Braden Fiske again with pressure inside. Forces Tate Rodemaker out of pocket and another throwaway. Fiske has been coming on of late.
Christian White picks off a throw from Brock Glenn. Ball was overthrown to Kyle Morlock. Great concentration and gets both feet in to finish INT.
Jack Williams covers Florida State athletics for Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at jwilliams@tallahassee.com or on Twitter @jackgwilliams.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida State's Darrell Jackson receiving support from teammates, Congress | The NoleBook
