BREAKING: Florida State Defensive Tackle Will Be Eligible To Play During Postseason
Florida State's deep defensive line has been without one of its most powerful weapons to begin the 2023 season. Junior defensive tackle Darrell Jackson had his waiver appeal denied by the NCAA during the preseason, putting his participation in live action into doubt during his first year in Tallahassee.
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The Seminoles have been doing everything they can to force the governing body of college football to reverse the decision. State representatives and other political figures around the country have even rallied behind Jackson and Florida State.
“Postseason will be a possibility for Darrell,” Norvell said following Wednesday's practice. "Well, no. Postseason will be a reality for Darrell as we get to that point."
"He's working. I've been really proud of him. 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," Norvell continued. "Which that 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 'the most important rep of my life', I think he's doing that and you see an improvement out there on the practice field. And just excited for what that's going to be when he's cleared to play."
The most likely possibility is that Jackson is eligible to suit up for Florida State's bowl game or potential playoff run. The university will conclude the fall semester on December 15 which puts his availability for the ACC Championship into doubt as the game falls on December 2.
Jackson transferred to Florida State in December after spending the 2022 season at Miami. The Havana native and former Gadsden County High School teammate of fellow Seminole defensive tackle Joshua Farmer began his college career at Maryland in 2021.
Following his official transfer to FSU, the NCAA revised its rules and provided sticker guidelines for two-time transfers to gain immediate eligibility. That's been a disappointing reality for Jackson, who transferred closer to home to be near a sick family member.
During his time with the Hurricanes and Terrapins, Jackson has totaled 49 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and a pass deflection.
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Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the 2023 season.
