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D’Eryk Jackson says goodbye to Kentucky, declares for 2025 NFL Draft
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D’Eryk Jackson is heading to the NFL.
The off-ball linebacker for Kentucky spent 5 seasons in Lexington. He missed the final 4 games of 2024 with a shoulder injury. He was a 3-year starter and had 1 remaining season of eligibility due to the COVID waiver in 2020. He officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on social media on Wednesday.
“Thank you Kentucky for everything,” Jackson said in a post on Instagram. “The coaches, teammates, and fans have made this journey so special and something I will never forget.”
Jackson finished the 2024 season with 38 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 3 pass breakups, 1 sack, and 1 interception. He’ll leave Lexington with 216 total tackles, 17 TFLs, 5 interceptions, 3 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. Jackson led the team in tackles in 2022 and 2023.
The 6-foot-1, 244-pound Jackson will look to hear his name called in the draft. Kentucky had first-round draft picks at linebacker in 2019 and 2021, and Trevin Wallace was taken in the third round last season. The Wildcats should see several defenders come off the board in the 2025 Draft.
Kentucky also needs to replace Jamon Dumas-Johnson, who is off to the NFL, and Jayvant Brown, who hit the transfer portal when it opened. The Wildcats are reportedly interested in several transfer linebackers. On the heels of a 4-8 season, coach Mark Stoops has work to do across the roster.
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
