FSU football: Miami DT Darrell Jackson commits to the Noles

FSU football coaches knew they needed to get better at the defensive tackle position using the transfer portal.

It was my No. 1 priority when I wrote about the top needs from the transfer portal a couple of weeks ago, so it’s not surprise the first addition from the portal is at that position.

The Noles had two defensive tackles enter the portal this week, but got a commitment from one Wednesday night that’s more proven than both.

Miami defensive tackle Darrell Jackson committed to the Noles:

Jackson is the former high school teammate of FSU defensive tackle Joshua Farmer who was coached by FSU’s Corey Fuller.

Jackson committed to play for Maryland before entering the portal after the 2021 season. Jackson played in 13 games as a true freshman with 22 tackles, which is an impressive feat at that position since most need a redshirt.

FSU courted him before he ultimately committed and enrolled at Miami. He appeared in all 12 games and was arguably their best defensive lineman.

He had 27 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss, and three sacks. Jackson checks in at 6’6″ and 300 pounds and had a solid PFF grade last season.

He will need to apply for a waiver since it’s his second transfer, but there are circumstances with his family that should help that pass since he needs to be closer to home. Jackson will have two years of eligibility left, which bodes well for helping to bridge the gap for the younger defensive tackles on the roster.

FSU coaches look to use the transfer portal to add higher-caliber players, compared to those leaving the FSU program via the transfer portal.

They are simply having players that likely won’t play in the future leave while adding guys that should be impact players. That’s how you raise the floor and ceiling of the program simultaneously.