Kentucky Linebacker D’Eryk Jackson Finds His NFL Future After Years of Grit and Growth

For D’Eryk Jackson, the path to the NFL was anything but smooth. The former Kentucky linebacker’s journey to professional football was marked by perseverance, self-belief, and a relentless work ethic that saw him rise from an underrated recruit to an anchor on the Wildcats’ defense — and now, to an opportunity at the next level.

After years of grinding in the SEC, Jackson has earned his shot in the NFL, a testament to the growth he showed both on and off the field during his time in Lexington. While he may not have been one of the top names in the draft conversation, Jackson’s heart, leadership, and consistency proved impossible for scouts to overlook.

Humble Beginnings

Coming out of high school, Jackson was not a five-star phenom or a headline-grabber on the recruiting circuit. A three-star recruit out of Georgia, he had a solid prep career but didn’t carry the same hype as others in his class. However, what Jackson lacked in national attention, he made up for with raw potential, a high football IQ, and an unshakable determination to prove himself.

Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops and his staff saw something special in Jackson — a linebacker with size, instincts, and the character to develop into a leader. They offered him an opportunity, and Jackson seized it.

Growth Through Adversity

Jackson’s early years at Kentucky were about learning and adapting. He redshirted as a freshman and spent much of his time behind more experienced players, soaking in knowledge from upperclassmen and building strength in the weight room. Coaches noted early on that Jackson approached every practice with intensity, showing maturity beyond his years.

But just as he was beginning to emerge as a potential starter, Jackson suffered a significant Achilles injury during spring practice in 2021. The setback threatened to derail his progress, as recovery from such injuries can be long and uncertain — especially for a linebacker whose game is built on explosiveness and mobility.

Rather than dwell on the injury, Jackson turned the rehab process into a mission. He leaned heavily on the Wildcats’ training staff and attacked his recovery with the same mindset he brought to the field. Teammates often spoke of his work ethic, even when he wasn’t able to fully participate in practices.

“I wasn’t going to let it define me,” Jackson said. “It was just another challenge I had to overcome. I knew I’d be back.”

A Defensive Leader

Jackson’s return to the field in 2022 marked a turning point, not just for his own career, but for Kentucky’s defense. Over the next two seasons, he became a fixture at middle linebacker, known for his ability to diagnose plays, make tackles in space, and provide vocal leadership on the field.

In the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Jackson racked up over 180 combined tackles, consistently leading the team in that category. His presence helped stabilize Kentucky’s front seven, and his toughness set the tone in many gritty SEC matchups.

While Jackson was never the flashiest player on the field, his dependability and leadership made him one of the most respected voices in the locker room. Defensive coordinator Brad White frequently praised Jackson’s football IQ and preparedness, often noting that he was like having a coach on the field.

“He’s the kind of player every team needs — smart, physical, accountable,” White said. “He studies film like a pro and plays with heart. You can’t teach that.”

Off the Field: A Model Teammate

Off the field, Jackson became a mentor to younger players, embracing a leadership role that extended beyond the playbook. He was often seen helping freshmen adjust to the demands of SEC football, and he took pride in representing Kentucky with class.

Academically, Jackson also excelled, earning SEC Honor Roll recognition multiple times and graduating with a degree in community and leadership development. He has often spoken about using his platform to inspire others, especially young athletes who may face adversity like he did.

“I’ve always wanted to be more than just a football player,” Jackson said. “Football gave me an opportunity, but I want to give back. I want to help others chase their goals the way I did.”

The 2025 NFL Draft and the Long Wait

Jackson entered the 2025 NFL Draft with a solid college résumé but without the hype or combine buzz that surrounded some of the bigger names. He had strong performances at Kentucky’s pro day, showcasing his range, strength, and instincts, but there were doubts among scouts about his ceiling.

Still, several teams noted his football intelligence, experience in a pro-style defense, and locker room value. While he wasn’t selected in the early rounds, Jackson remained patient as the draft wore on. Eventually, late on Day 3, his phone rang.

The call came from an NFL team that had been quietly monitoring him throughout the year — a team that valued his resilience and viewed him as a perfect culture fit.

“It didn’t matter when it happened,” Jackson said. “All I wanted was a chance.”

Landing in the NFL

Jackson signed with the [Insert Team Name]*, either as a late-round draft pick or a priority undrafted free agent, depending on final details. The coaching staff immediately spoke about his potential as a special teams contributor and developmental linebacker.

Veteran players on the team welcomed Jackson for his humble attitude and readiness to compete. Early reports from rookie minicamp praised his communication, effort, and ability to quickly absorb the playbook.

“He plays with a chip on his shoulder,” the team’s linebackers coach said. “You can see he’s been through tough moments and come out stronger. That’s the kind of guy you want on your roster.”

[Note: Replace with actual team name and details once finalized.]

Why He’ll Stick

NFL careers are hard to predict, especially for players who weren’t top draft picks. But Jackson has the qualities that help fringe players carve out long careers — reliability, intelligence, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team. His special teams potential alone could earn him a role, and his understanding of defensive schemes gives him a shot at long-term development.

He may not start right away, but Jackson has spent his entire football journey proving doubters wrong. If history is any guide, he’ll do it again at the next level.

A Message to the Next Generation

As he begins his professional journey, Jackson continues to reflect on the steps that brought him here. From the quiet moments in the film room, to the lonely nights during rehab, to leading his team in one of the toughest conferences in college football — each piece of his journey shaped the man and the player he has become.

“I’m just grateful,” Jackson said. “Grateful to Kentucky for believing in me. Grateful for every coach who pushed me. And grateful for every obstacle — because it made me stronger.”

His advice to young athletes is simple but powerful: don’t let circumstances define your future. Let your work do that.