photo credit Michael Lerzo/The Union Recorder

I remember the first time I saw him on the field. “Who the hell is number 47?” I probably said. Something about him reminded me of an auto-generated video game player. Strange number, generic name, nondescript in every way. 

But as I learn more about Dan Jackson, I realize the inspiration of a football player he is. After the Auburn game, Kirby emphasized the significance of Jackson’s story -“He’s an awesome kid. What a great story. He’s one of the greatest stories in college football that no one talks about…” 

Coming out of North Hall High School in Gainesville, Jackson walked on as a scout team player for the Bulldogs in 2019. Kirby told reporters, “he got to school here and said ‘hey coach, I’d like to play football.’ Like, we didn’t recruit him. We recruited Ladd McConkey, we recruited these walk-ons. This guy showed up at our doorstep.” 

He was a nobody. A zero star prospect on 247 sports, zero division 1 offers, and Dan Jackson decided he wants to play for one of the best teams in college football. On the scout team, he flashed speed and toughness, earning the respect of his coaches and teammates. 

In 2021, he found the field as a special teams player and backup safety. Against Arkansas, Jackson blocked a punt in the endzone leading to a Zamir White touchdown. Jackson racked up 37 tackles in the 2021 season.

In 2022, he continued to work, rotating in on defense for safeties Malaki Starks and Chris Smith. In the famous Kelee Ringo pick-6 against Alabama, Dan Jackson streaked down the field alongside Ringo, taking a massive hit on the final block of the play securing the Georgia National Championship. 

In 2023, Jackson changed his number to 17, and he found the field more regularly, rotating with Malaki Starks and Javon Bullard. He sealed the South Carolina victory with an interception and finished the season with 20 tackles. 

Now, in 2024, Jackson is undoubtedly the leader of this Georgia secondary. Now an everyday starter, Jackson leads the team in solo tackles and is tied for the lead in total tackles and pass deflections. On Saturday, he blocked the 54-yard field goal attempt against Auburn. He has been our most consistent, relentless defensive back all season.

But above his stats, speed, or toughness is his character. Smart said, “He didn’t have to come back this year. He came back because he loves this place. He loves Georgia. He doesn’t do it for him, or for money. He’s never asked for anything, I mean he loves the place… someone really ought to take care of him for the rest of his life, because he will be the  best employee, the best worker…  I really believe the guy has a chance to play in the National Football League because he’s fast, he’s tough, and he’s smart.”

Still, a YouTube search yields 0 highlight videos, and every post game all he talks about improving as a player and growing as a defensive unit. He is a lesson in humility, toughness, and grit. Jackson is crucial to this Georgia defense, and he has certainly earned everyone’s respect, especially mine.