Nick had some really nice things to say yesterday about his one year (so far) at Iowa.
Some excerpts:
Jackson spoke glowingly on Thursday about his one year at Iowa after transferring. He grinned at the relationships he’s made and how much fun he had playing at Kinnick Stadium, especially on third downs. He enjoyed talking about the many false starts Iowa's crowd has caused for opposing offenses.
“It's a college football dream to play at Kinnick and just at Iowa, honestly. It’s been unreal,” Jackson said. “Like even when we went to Wrigley (Field), remember that? Just the fans here, the culture here, the guys here, the coaches here, it’s unbelievable.”
Jackson's mind is racing because of the NCAA ruling. He was intent on going to the NFL. Now, he’s got a decision to make. He will celebrate his 23rd birthday on Jan. 5. He's also proven himself over a long period of time. But leaving a place he’s grown to love would be tough, too.
“It’s kind of a weird time to get (the waiver),” Jackson said. “I’m (thinking) I don’t have another year and now it’s like, ‘Whoa, I do.’ Just trying to process it, talk to my family, trying to get all my information to make the best decision. … Honestly, this decision isn’t about me, it’s about a lot of people.”
Higgins' decision to come back is a factor.
“Having Jay here is critical, it’s crucial,” Jackson said. “That’s my best friend. That means a lot, for sure.”
Jackson has started all 13 games at Iowa and, remarkably, will play in his 60th college game Monday against Tennessee and make his 47th college start. If he came back, he would end up with potentially 60 college starts in 70-plus games. Unthinkable numbers.
Meantime, fifth-year senior defensive back Sebastian Castro seems to have a good idea which way he is leaning but won’t announce his intent until after the Citrus Bowl. Castro has been dynamic as Iowa’s cash defender in the 4-2-5 alignment.
“Probably at most, 2-3 days, something like that,” Castro said. “It’s a win-win situation. I’ve always wanted to play in the NFL. Coming back and getting better and playing in this environment, it’s not a bad deal.”
The shape of Iowa's 2024 roster will be known within weeks, with the NFL deadline for underclassmen being Jan. 15.
But among players with decisions to make, with the OC hire looming and the Brian Ferentz story simmering, there was still a vocal importance placed Thursday on the game at hand against Tennessee.
“Our focus right now," Kirk Ferentz said, "is on winning this football game.”
Some excerpts:
Developments in Sebastian Castro, Nick Jackson decisions
The Nick Jackson development has been sudden. He was recently granted a waiver by the NCAA for an extra year of eligibility because his senior year at Virginia (2022) was cut short after three football players were shot and killed when another student opened fire on a charter bus during a field trip.Jackson spoke glowingly on Thursday about his one year at Iowa after transferring. He grinned at the relationships he’s made and how much fun he had playing at Kinnick Stadium, especially on third downs. He enjoyed talking about the many false starts Iowa's crowd has caused for opposing offenses.
“It's a college football dream to play at Kinnick and just at Iowa, honestly. It’s been unreal,” Jackson said. “Like even when we went to Wrigley (Field), remember that? Just the fans here, the culture here, the guys here, the coaches here, it’s unbelievable.”
Jackson's mind is racing because of the NCAA ruling. He was intent on going to the NFL. Now, he’s got a decision to make. He will celebrate his 23rd birthday on Jan. 5. He's also proven himself over a long period of time. But leaving a place he’s grown to love would be tough, too.
“It’s kind of a weird time to get (the waiver),” Jackson said. “I’m (thinking) I don’t have another year and now it’s like, ‘Whoa, I do.’ Just trying to process it, talk to my family, trying to get all my information to make the best decision. … Honestly, this decision isn’t about me, it’s about a lot of people.”
Higgins' decision to come back is a factor.
“Having Jay here is critical, it’s crucial,” Jackson said. “That’s my best friend. That means a lot, for sure.”
Jackson has started all 13 games at Iowa and, remarkably, will play in his 60th college game Monday against Tennessee and make his 47th college start. If he came back, he would end up with potentially 60 college starts in 70-plus games. Unthinkable numbers.
Meantime, fifth-year senior defensive back Sebastian Castro seems to have a good idea which way he is leaning but won’t announce his intent until after the Citrus Bowl. Castro has been dynamic as Iowa’s cash defender in the 4-2-5 alignment.
“Probably at most, 2-3 days, something like that,” Castro said. “It’s a win-win situation. I’ve always wanted to play in the NFL. Coming back and getting better and playing in this environment, it’s not a bad deal.”
The shape of Iowa's 2024 roster will be known within weeks, with the NFL deadline for underclassmen being Jan. 15.
But among players with decisions to make, with the OC hire looming and the Brian Ferentz story simmering, there was still a vocal importance placed Thursday on the game at hand against Tennessee.
“Our focus right now," Kirk Ferentz said, "is on winning this football game.”
Leistikow's 4 Citrus Bowl thoughts on Brian Ferentz's final game, Nick Jackson's waiver
A meaty day of Iowa football interviews include topics about offensive improvement, the outgoing coordinator and the Nick Jackson surprise.
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