Sen. Marco Rubio asks NCAA to reconsider waiver for FSU football's Darrell Jackson

Florida State's Darrell Jackson is getting some unexpected support for his eligibility to play in 2023 for the Seminoles.

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., sent a letter asking NCAA President Charlie Baker to reconsider granting a hardship waiver for the defensive tackle, asking for his waiver to get a second look.

FSU head coach Mike Norvell announced Tuesday that the NCAA has denied Jackson’s request to play in 2023. Jackson, a native of Havana, which is in neighboring Gadsden County, transferred to FSU from Miami in December to take care of his sick mother.

He was originally at Maryland for his freshman season before he transferred to Miami for the start of the 2022 season.

The NCAA told ESPN Wednesday that it has begun applying new criteria to two-time transfers that make it more difficult to gain immediate eligibility. North Carolina receiver Devontez Walker, also a two-time transfer, had his waiver to play for the Tar Heels this season rejected by the NCAA.

"Strong communities are built from strong families. I commend Darrell for his decision to put family first and move home," Rubio wrote to Baker.

Rubio graduated from the University of Florida in 1993 and the University of Miami School of Law in 1996.

His son, Anthony Rubio, is a freshman walk-on running back with the Gators.

The text of the letter is below.

Dear President Baker:

"I write with disappointment in the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) decision to punish a young athlete who is putting his family first. Darrell Jackson, Jr., a recent transfer to Florida State University, sought a hardship waiver to be near his ailing mother, and was denied.

"A promising young athlete, Darrell grew up not far from Tallahassee. He first attended the University of Maryland before transferring to the University of Miami last season. While at Miami, Darrell excelled, playing in all 12 games. Unfortunately, Darrell is experiencing every family’s worst nightmare. A sick parent is tough on grown children. To have to go through this while still in college is especially difficult. Strong communities are built from strong families. I commend Darrell for his decision to put family first and move home.

"The NCAA’s decision to deny Darrell’s waiver request sends a wrong message to our young adults when confronted with family health. Darrell’s hardship application deserves a second look. If this is not what hardship waivers are for, then what is?

"I look forward to your response."

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Darrell Jackson: Marco Rubio asks NCAA to reconsider waiver