Florida State University Athletics
Relentless: Darrell Jackson Jr. Leads by Example on Senior Day
11/13/2025 9:37:00 AM | Football
As he takes the field for Senior Day, redshirt senior defensive lineman Darrell Jackson Jr. carries with him the lessons of an impressive collegiate career and a legacy built on hard work and leadership.
For Jackson, making the decision to return to Florida State for one final season wasn't about unfinished business, it was about setting the standard.
"The conversation I had with Coach Norvell was basically, 'Be desperate," Jackson said. "If I wasn't desperate, don't come back. I just wanted to live up to that expectation I have for myself."
That mentality has fueled Jackson throughout his career. After transferring to Florida State from Miami and sitting out the 2023 regular season due to NCAA transfer rules, Jackson entered 2024 with a renewed mindset and focus.
"I just came in with the mindset that I'm going to work," he said. "Last year was blurry for me, so this year I just said I'm going to get everything I deserve and earn it."
In 2024, Jackson started all 12 games at defensive tackle, recording 32 tackles and earning All-ACC honorable mention recognition.
But for the Havana, Florida, native, success is measured by more than just individual success. It's about leadership and accountability.
On his decision to return to FSU, Jackson said, "I just want to come back and lead this program in the right direction. Becoming a vocal leader and just leading by example."
It's a role he's grown into naturally. "In our D-line room, we've got a standard that we want to play to," Jackson said. "I try to listen to my guys, and they listen to me. I'm the leader of the room, but you know, I can still be corrected. If we see something that can be better, we just hold each other accountable."
That standard carries over to every practice and game.
"The attention in practice has been where we need it," he said. "We just have to continue to do the little things and get off to a faster start."
This season, Jackson has appeared in all nine of Florida State's games, remaining one of the most consistent presence on the defensive line. He's totaled 19 total tackles including 10 solo stops. Jackson recorded one tackle in the win over No. 8 Alabama, added three tackles and a tackle for loss in the victory against East Texas A&M, and posted four tackles versus Kent State. He notched a season-high five tackles against Virginia and followed with
four more in the matchup against Miami. He also recorded three tackles in each of the games versus Pitt, Stanford, Wake Forest and Clemson.
Consistency, for Jackson, comes from preparation and embracing the grind.
"Just having the plan, just going man," he said. "You really don't know until you're out there. We're blocking ourselves sometimes, but we'll get there."
In his leadership role, Jackson remains focused on lifting up younger guys in the program.
"I don't want to bring them down. If they fail, I feel like they can always try it again," he said. "If they fail, just say 'Hey man, go take breather and try again, you're going to get it.'"
As Jackson prepares for his final game at Doak Campbell Stadium, he does so with pride in what he has accomplished and in the person he has become both on and off the field.
When asked to define the Seminoles' defensive identity, Jackson didn't hesitate.
"Relentless," he said.
And that word might just define him too.
For Jackson, making the decision to return to Florida State for one final season wasn't about unfinished business, it was about setting the standard.
"The conversation I had with Coach Norvell was basically, 'Be desperate," Jackson said. "If I wasn't desperate, don't come back. I just wanted to live up to that expectation I have for myself."
That mentality has fueled Jackson throughout his career. After transferring to Florida State from Miami and sitting out the 2023 regular season due to NCAA transfer rules, Jackson entered 2024 with a renewed mindset and focus.
"I just came in with the mindset that I'm going to work," he said. "Last year was blurry for me, so this year I just said I'm going to get everything I deserve and earn it."
In 2024, Jackson started all 12 games at defensive tackle, recording 32 tackles and earning All-ACC honorable mention recognition.
But for the Havana, Florida, native, success is measured by more than just individual success. It's about leadership and accountability.
On his decision to return to FSU, Jackson said, "I just want to come back and lead this program in the right direction. Becoming a vocal leader and just leading by example."
It's a role he's grown into naturally. "In our D-line room, we've got a standard that we want to play to," Jackson said. "I try to listen to my guys, and they listen to me. I'm the leader of the room, but you know, I can still be corrected. If we see something that can be better, we just hold each other accountable."
That standard carries over to every practice and game.
"The attention in practice has been where we need it," he said. "We just have to continue to do the little things and get off to a faster start."
This season, Jackson has appeared in all nine of Florida State's games, remaining one of the most consistent presence on the defensive line. He's totaled 19 total tackles including 10 solo stops. Jackson recorded one tackle in the win over No. 8 Alabama, added three tackles and a tackle for loss in the victory against East Texas A&M, and posted four tackles versus Kent State. He notched a season-high five tackles against Virginia and followed with
four more in the matchup against Miami. He also recorded three tackles in each of the games versus Pitt, Stanford, Wake Forest and Clemson.
Consistency, for Jackson, comes from preparation and embracing the grind.
"Just having the plan, just going man," he said. "You really don't know until you're out there. We're blocking ourselves sometimes, but we'll get there."
In his leadership role, Jackson remains focused on lifting up younger guys in the program.
"I don't want to bring them down. If they fail, I feel like they can always try it again," he said. "If they fail, just say 'Hey man, go take breather and try again, you're going to get it.'"
As Jackson prepares for his final game at Doak Campbell Stadium, he does so with pride in what he has accomplished and in the person he has become both on and off the field.
When asked to define the Seminoles' defensive identity, Jackson didn't hesitate.
"Relentless," he said.
And that word might just define him too.
Players Mentioned
DL
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HC Mike Norvell “Absolute purpose in every step”
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