Meet Darryl Jackson
March 31, 2011
By Kyli Millender
After playing football for only two years, Darryl (DJ) Jackson feels privileged to be joining the Oregon State football program and gives a lot of credit to Coach (Mike) Cavanaugh for his opportunity to be here. His size (6’6”, 314 lbs) is something that makes him stand out and when he isn’t practicing, doing homework or hanging out with friends you will likely find him supporting his best friend at the gymnastics meets or working on his dance moves. He’s a hard worker and is excited to get on the field and prove himself for the upcoming season.
How do you feel about bear crawls?
“I hear we have to do a lot of them for Coach Cavanaugh. I don’t like them at all.”
Are you a gymnastics fan?
“I am. My best friend is on the team, Olivia Vivian. Every time I go I like to support her as much as I can.”
How do you feel you can help to improve the offensive line?
“I think with my athleticism and my ability to bend my knees and get in the open field.”
Why did you choose Oregon State?
“The environment, the people and the coaches. Especially Coach Cavanaugh, he’s one of my main reasons for me being here.”
How was the transition from high school to college?
“Rough. It’s tough going from having everything in front of you and having teachers remind you everyday about your assignments to having everything online and not being told when everything is due and having to figure it out and stay on top of it yourself.”
Is there anyone in the football realm you model yourself after, or look up to as a significant inspiration in the sport?
“It’s kind of cliché but Michael Oher (Baltimore Ravens). He came from nothing and worked his way up and for me I’ve only been playing ball for two years, barely two years. For me, being here is a big accomplishment.”
Do you have a most memorable athletic moment?
“It was at our rival Lakewood game. I went against one of the top defensive ends in the nation, he went to Notre Dame, and I pretty much handled him the whole game.”
What are your goals for this season?
“Drop weight and play.”
How is it being a student-athlete?
“It’s rough. You come into it thinking that it’s going to be kind of a walk in the park. You know it’s going to be tougher than high school, but I would have never thought it would have been this tough.”
Do you have any hidden talents most people wouldn't expect?
“I can dance.”
How do you spend your free time?
“Hanging out with other players and doing homework.”
J.R. Redmond said you have some “dog” in you, what does that mean and how do you convey that on the field?
“I think having `dog’ in you is a certain attitude you have on the field. Off the field I’m a relaxed guy, but when you step on the green you have to have a whole different personality and when you’re out there you just have to handle guys.”
