ATHENS, Ga. — University of Georgia senior wide receiver Kearis Jackson and junior tight end Darnell Washington met with media after practice Wednesday evening and offered the following comments regarding the preparation for Kent State.
#0 Darnell Washington | Junior | TE
On being the No. 1 team in the nation and blocking out the noise
“We just take everything day-by-day... In meetings, staying on schedule, doing what we did last year. It’s just a routine and that’s how we go about it.”
On what has led to a growth in his maturity over the past year
“One thing that helped me improve is having a family at a young age, so I had to mature to get used to everyday life. The focal aspect is going against older guys with how mature they are. When we’re at practice we have fun, but at a high school practice, you’re on the sidelines not paying attention, joking around. Here if you’re joking around on the sideline Kirby will get on you.”
On what he’s seen from Oscar Delp in his first year so far
“I’ve seen a lot of improvement physicality-wise. Coming in as a freshman it’s not easy. When I came here, it was a big change from high school to college, so he’s really improved his physicality so far.”
#10 Kearis Jackson | Senior | WR
On being a member of the 2022 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team…
“Being one of the 11 chosen means a lot to me. It shows off the hard work that I have been doing on and off the field. Just being able to withhold the standard here at Georgia. We’re not just athletes. Being able to have an impact on the community, an impact on kids and adults. Being impactful means a lot to me and my family and the University of Georgia.”
Note: Georgia leads the nation in Allstate AFCA Good Works Team honoree with 21
On Kent State’s defense…
“I played with CJ Harris growing up. He plays defense there. Growing up we used to battle a lot because we played on the same team, but when I came in on Sunday I went to Brian McClendon's office and we were watching the first series of the (Kent State versus) Oklahoma game. Those boys out there were flying around, so I have a lot of respect for Kent State and the way they play. They have played against multiple power-five opponents already, Washington, Oklahoma… If you watch those games, they play hard. I have a lot of respect for them because at the same time they have to strap up just like we have to strap up. With that being said I have a lot of respect for Kent State, especially what they do on defense.”
On being a leader…
“Just knowing how to deal with certain personalities. There are so many personalities on the team, it’s crazy. But, when you get to sit down and talk to people you actually find out more about themselves. When you are able to do that, it’s eye-opening. We have our skull session. Throughout those skull sessions, we find out each other’s why. For some of our teammates why, I have no choice but to play hard because I know what they have been through. Same with me. Most of my teammates know what I have been going through, so when you have that connection and that bond it leads you to want to play harder.”