FSU Head Coach Mike Norvell Is Still 'Hopeful' About Darrell Jackson's Waiver Process

Norvell provided an update on where things stand with Jackson during his press conference on Monday.

Florida State has an extremely talented group of interior defensive linemen entering the 2023 season, led by veterans such as Fabien Lovett and Braden Fiske. With that being said, the Seminoles are missing one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle in Miami defensive tackle transfer Darrell Jackson.

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After joining his third program in three years, Jackson needed a waiver to be eligible to play for the Seminoles this season. Unfortunately, head coach Mike Norvell announced earlier this month that Jackson had been denied during the waiver appeal process.

FSU has continued to explore its options over the past couple of weeks. With the Seminoles set to kick off their season in less than a week, Norvell shared on Monday that he's still 'hopeful' about Jackson's waiver process and the possibility of his eligibility being restored.

"It’s something we’re continuing to seek more guidance from on any re-evaluation of the process," Norvell said during his opening press conference for LSU week. "All due respect to decisions that are made, I mean, I still find it unfortunate for the young man."

"In December is when he chose for his situation to go into the transfer portal," Norvell continued. "There, in January, a new standard was signed in with the NCAA on January 11th, and he had been enrolled here. I’m hopeful that’s something that’s still getting looked at."

Jackson transferred to Tallahassee to be near his ailing mother, who lives close by in Havana, FL. Despite the disappointing news, he's continued to practice with the Seminoles and has been a standout for the team during camp.

Norvell says that Jackson will be ready if his number is called during the 2023 season.

"It’s one of the things that we’re continuing to check back on, but Darrell’s practicing, he’s preparing," Norvell said. "You never know how things are going to go whether if it upholds where he’s not eligible to play, then he’s going to continue to prepare to be his best."

"I’ve respected so much his attitude and approach this fall camp after finding out the news that it was denied," Norvell continued. "Obviously, always hopeful that’s something that’ll be re-evaluated by the powers of be, and if he does get cleared, whether it’s before the game or whether at some point in the season, he’ll be ready. We're going to continue to go through that and just hopeful."

The Florida native started 12 games for Miami in 2022, recording 27 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and one pass breakup. He spent the previous season with Maryland, totaling 22 tackles in 13 appearances, with three starts. Jackson was a high school teammate of current FSU defensive tackle, Joshua Farmer.

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