Kearis Jackson leaving Georgia the right way
Kearis Jackson leaves Georgia football as a two-time National Champion. But he’s making Peach County proud in other ways, too.
Peach County is a tough, tough place to play football.
That’s where Jackson came from as a recruit in the 2018 class, which seems like a long time ago now.
In the time Kearis Jackson played at Georgia, the Dawgs went from the low of losing to Texas in a listless Sugar Bowl performance, to winning back-to-back Natties.
Jackson brought down a crucial catch in the Peach Bowl victory over Ohio State.
He ran a little seam route and Stetson Bennett hit him in stride perfectly down in to Buckeyes territory.
Then Bennett found A.D. Mitchell for the effective game-winner.
Kearis Jackson’s impact at Georgia lasts longer and ripples larger than just football
As he leaves Georgia for the NFL Draft, Kearis Jackson made the cut for the NFL’s Scouting Combine.
Jackson will have a chance to impress scouts with his strength and the track speed he developed in high school as a sprinter.
He also finds himself on another impactful list:
Jackson made it in the ranks of 355 Georgia student-athletes to make the 2022 Fall Honor Roll.
As my former local TV sports department colleague Marvin James pointed out, that isn’t easy to do for a normal Georgia student.
Imagine doing it with the expectations that Kirby Smart demands from his football players. And imagine being a significant contributor on the SEC- and National Championship-winning football team as well.
Jackson’s impact beyond football
Not only did Kearis Jackson blow it up on the football field and in the classroom as a SEC Graduate, he established himself as a leader in greater initiatives as well.
Georgia’s bio for Jackson notes his contributions as one of three student representatives on the UGA Athletics Board of Directors.
He also represented Georgia at the SEC’s Leadership Council.
It’s easy to remember a Georgia football player (or forget a Georgia football player) based on what he did or didn’t do on the football field.
Hopefully, Jackson’s legacy as a Dawg includes some recognition for the guy and student that he is.
No matter where he goes in the NFL Draft or beyond, it’s been a joy of my career to watch him transition from a Peach County recruit to a dude who just made the most of every opportunity he had at Georgia.
I have no doubt he’ll keep that going once he leaves Athens.
