The nose tackle has put on a show during practices down at Mobile and during the Shrine Bowl. Well, his honesty toward the opposite trenches explains why.
One Florida State defensive lineman has thrashed the opposite trenches down in Mobile, Ala.
Darrell Jackson is turning heads during Senior Bowl practices with one-on-one dominance -- including showing off his knockback power.
He's also fresh off playing in the East-West Shrine Bowl -- becoming one of the few upcoming NFL Draft prospects to play in both games.
Where does the solo dominance come from? He shared this blunt take to NFL Draft scout Brandyn Pokrass after a practice.
"I hate o-linemen with a passion," Jackson said smiling.
His ability to beat OLs in front of him will draw intrigue from pro scouts. But he also shared another field mindset.
"I don't want to be denied. I'm going to do what I do," Jackson said. "If I have to go to the Shrine Bowl or Senior Bowl, the work is the work.
"My mentality is the same -- just coming out here to be a dog and just beating the man right in front of me," Jackson added.
He's enjoyed the experience of taking part in both games. Yet amid the fierce tenacity he shows in the trenches, he sent this message to NFL teams looking closely at him.
"I'm a great human being. I've got a great personality. When I'm at the combine, I'm there to sharpen my skill set," Jackson said.
Jackson added to scout Jacob Lintner that he aims to continue one tradition out of Tallahassee.
"They started a trend, we’re just trying to finish it…Florida State produces d-linemen, I just want to be the next one," Jackson said.
He looks bound to shoot up draft boards with a strong practice week. Jackson flashed his impressive hand power plus upper body strength facing offensive linemen who represented the power conference realm.
Jackson displayed similar brute force during Shrine Bowl practices before his arrival to Mobile.
Jackson already draws intrigue off his mammoth 6-foot-5, 337-pound frame. But he intertwines his imposing stature with his athleticism.
He presents stout short area quickness that stresses out interior offensive linemen and closes running gaps quick. Jackson helped divert running lanes off his presence and quick gap-shooting.
Scouts have stated that Jackson often ran with a hot and cold motor -- noticeably needing periods of breaks which raises questions on if he can play 50 snaps in the league. But his gap quickness and power will benefit a pro team needing a run stuffer.
Teams like the Cincinnati Bengals (32nd against the run) or Las Vegas Raiders (in need of IDL help) can look into the nose tackle closely.
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