Darrell Jackson Jr.

Darrell Jackson Jr. attended Gadsden County High School in Havana, Florida, where he played on the defensive line and tight end. Jackson was ranked as the No. 44 strongside defensive end in the Class of 2021 by Rivals. He collected 23 tackles, five tackles for a loss, with one fumble recovery and one pass breakup in seven games as a senior. During his senior season, he committed to the University of Maryland. As a true freshman at Maryland in 2021, Jackson Jr. played in all 13 games with one start and had 22 tackles. After one year at Maryland, he transferred to the University of Miami. During his sophomore season at Miami, Jackson started all 12 games and had 27 tackles and three sacks. After the season, Jackson transferred to Florida State University. He was forced to sit out the season by the NCAA after he was denied a hardship waiver request, but was eligible to play in a bowl game. His only game of the season came in the 2023 Orange Bowl, where he recorded six tackles. In 2024, the redshirt junior started all 12 games for Florida State and totaled 32 tackles, four tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble. Jackson was names an Honorable Mention All-ACC player at the end of the season.