D'Eryk Jackson returns to Kentucky football seven months after Achilles injury

Few injuries are more debilitating than a ruptured Achilles tendon. Even for the best athletes in the world, like John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins, it can sideline them for more than a year. Saturday afternoon at Kroger Field, D’Eryk Jackson defied odds by playing at Kroger Field just seven months after suffering a torn Achilles in spring practice.

Jackson was the Wildcats’ projected starting middle linebacker when he suffered the injury in a non-contact portion of practice. We saw Saturday against New Mexico State why Kentucky’s coaching staff was excited to see him fill Jamin Davis’ big shoes.

“You could hear at the top of the stadium some of those sticks. That’s what D’Eryk brings, he brings that thump in the hole,” said defensive coordinator Brad White.

Jackson had three tackles in only two series. White is right, you could feel the hits from the top of Kroger Field. It’s just what Jackson needed to see after a long rehab.

“I think that’s a really big confidence boost when you think about a guy who suffered an Achilles injury in the spring,” White added. “To be back already making plays, it’s a testament to his work ethic and how much time he put in. It was a great job with our training staff to get him to this point and get him ready. It’s always nice to get people back to build depth at the end of a season.”

Kentucky led 35-16 at half, but they let up just before the final horn sounded, surrendering a late field goal to New Mexico State. Unsatisfied, Stoops gave his players an earful, encouraging them to put away the Aggies swiftly.

“I wanted to see a dominant performance and I wanted to see some guys out there and D’Eryk was a great example. Here’s a guy that is coming back from a serious injury and I challenged them,” Stoops said. “It’s first time I’ve seen him smile in about seven, nine months. The young man needed some reps and that’s why we have to take care of business. So guys like that get back in there, get the rust off and have some joy from what he’s doing and how hard he’s worked to get back on the field.”

Jackson’s joy was the Aggies’ pain. After overcoming so much adversity so early in his career, the linebacker’s future is bright in Lexington.