FSU football's Darrell Jackson Jr. feels like a 'pro' ahead of pro day
FSU's Darrell Jackson Jr. is confident for his pro day after dropping weight and learning to be a 'pro' at Florida State.
Darrell Jackson Jr felt he learned how to be a "pro" in his final season with Florida State football . Jackson's physical traits have always been at a professional level , but the 6-foot-5 defensive lineman said his final season with the Seminoles allowed him to adopt the mindset needed to compete at the next level. He monitored his diet, focused on leadership, and was consistent in preparation, all of which have Jackson confident ahead of his pro day on March 27.
It's one of Jackson's final chances to impress in front of a cohort of NFL scouts and executives ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft in June. "Leaving Florida State and going to the combine, it was great. I always dreamed of going to the combine when I was a child," Jackson said.
"Attacking one thing at a time, first the all-star game and then going to the combine. I feel like it was a great experience for me. " At the NFL combine , Jackson felt he learned more about himself and what NFL teams wanted to see from him.
He turned some heads with his on-field testing; however passed on doing the bench press and other athletic tests, saving those for pro day. Jackson said he will do his broad and vertical jumps, bench press, and on-field position drills for his pro day. He dropped down to 315 pounds, down 22 pounds from his listed weight of 337 on FSU football's roster, and said he's moving the best he ever has in his career.