Dan Jackson
Title:
Defensive Back
Major:
Agribusiness
Year:
Class of 2023
Hometown:
Gainesville, GA
Dan Jackson was soaking it all in as the Bulldogs took the field on opening day of the 2023 season. Now a senior, Dan’s quest to be a game changer for the Bulldogs has been hard-fought, and he’s not taking anything for granted this season.
The one-time walk-on worked tirelessly on the scout team as an underclassman, practicing against the starting offense, to earn an opportunity for playing time. It also earned him respect from teammates. Once he got his chance in the 2021 season, he took full advantage: making the routine plays and the big ones, like his punt block in the end zone against Arkansas in 2021.
Want to see Dan’s speed and commitment to the team? Watch the highlight of Kelee Ringo’s legendary pick-six in the national championship game against Alabama, and see #47 sprinting alongside his teammate. That’s Dan making the last block against a desperate Crimson Tide player—taking a huge hit in the process—to ensure the touchdown, the win, and the championship.
Dan was off to another strong start in 2022 when a foot injury in October sidelined him for the rest of the season. Rehabbing the foot, he played the role of the supportive teammate as the Bulldogs won their second consecutive title.
But all that time off makes running onto the field under the lights of Sanford Stadium all the more special this season.
“One thing I'm thankful that college has taught me is time management,” he says. “Because between class and football, you really got to be disciplined and knock your homework out when you get the chance.”
Dan Jackson
Defensive Back
“I was really itching to get back out there,” he says of opening night. “I only have so many left, so I really tried to cherish it.”
Dan tries to bring that same work ethic into the classroom.
He came to UGA on the HOPE Scholarship. Without additional financial support, he focused on keeping his grades high enough to maintain the scholarship. He has since secured funds for tuition through an NIL (name, image, and likeness) deal but has kept the goal of maintaining a GPA high enough for the HOPE Scholarship.
“One thing I'm thankful that college has taught me is time management,” he says. “Because between class and football, you’ve really got to be disciplined and knock your homework out when you get the chance.”
Dan is an agribusiness major in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. His favorite classes are the ones he’s taken with Dr. Benjamin Campbell, an associate professor in agricultural and applied economics. He says he loves the practical aspects of the major: learning how to make a sales pitch, prepare for a job interview, and market a product.
And while he hasn’t settled on a career when his playing days are over, he imagines it will probably involve sales. If so, his easygoing attitude might be an asset.
During the photo shoot for this story, UGA photographers kept asking Dan to show his best mean face or even growl for the camera. Dan could barely do it without cracking up.
“I don’t have a mean side,” he insisted.
Bulldogs receiver Ladd McConkey says of his teammate, “He's an awesome guy off the field, but when he gets on the field, you better watch out.”
In the community, Dan has worked with Meals on Wheels and Camp Sunshine, a program for children with cancer. He says those experiences, especially playing with the kids at Camp Sunshine, have helped him slow down and enjoy the moment.
“It makes you appreciate every day,” he says. “That’s something I have to do: take everything day by day, or I’ll end up stressing myself out.”
