'Postseason a reality' for this ineligible Florida State football defensive lineman
Darrell Jackson could still make an impact on the 2023 season for Florida State football.
FSU head coach Mike Norvell clarified that Jackson, who is ineligible to play after the NCAA denied his waiver to play this season following his second collegiate transfer, could play in the postseason for the No. 4 Seminoles (4-0, 2-0 ACC).
“Postseason will be a possibility for Darrell,” Norvell told the local media after Wednesday’s practice. "Well, no. Postseason will be a reality for Darrell as we get to that point."
The ACC Championship game is scheduled for Dec. 2 in Charlotte, but it's unlikely Jackson will be available for that game, as the fall semester runs through Dec. 15.
However, a potential bowl game or the College Football Playoffs remain a possibility for Jackson.
Jackson 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.
He grew up in Havana, about 20 minutes away from the FSU campus. Norvell announced on Aug. 8 Jackson's waiver was denied. That was followed by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio sending a letter to NCAA President Charlie Baker "requesting his [Jackson's] hardship be granted a second look" on Aug. 9.
Despite not being eligible to play, Jackson has been practicing with the team and has kept his spirits up.
"I know what I came home for," Jackson said. "I came home for my mom, so I'm just trying to go through it and be here for my mom. She thinks it's her fault, but it's not."
Norvell said he has been pleased with the work Jackson has done while not being eligible to play in games.
More: Jordan Travis, Florida State football offense still searching for explosive plays in 2023
The former Gadsden County High standout will provide experience and an imposing presence when he returns, as he stands at 6-foot-5, 334 pounds. He has recorded 49 tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss with 3.0 sacks and one pass breakup in 25 games, including 13 starts.
"He's been working, I've been really proud of him," Norvell said. "I think he's getting good work, he's approaching every day the way we want him to approach it. He's getting better and he's continuing to push and he's trying to go into every week as if he was playing.
"Which, can be hard. It's hard for a young man to know that they're not going to be able to get on the field on Saturday, but still to get their mindset and approach that this is still 'the most important rep of my life', I think he's doing that."
Reach Ehsan Kassim at ekassim@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter at @Ehsan_Kassim. You can also follow our coverage on Facebook (NoleSports) and Instagram (tlhnolesports).
No one covers the ‘Noles like the Tallahassee Democrat. Subscribe using the link at the top of the page and never miss a moment.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Darrell Jackson: FSU football player ruled eligible for postseason
