ATHENS, Ga. — Dan Jackson finally was given the podium to describe the Kelee Ringo interception for a touchdown to seal the National Championship win over Alabama in January.
The North Hall graduate and Bulldogs defensive back was in the Ringo caravan down the field and took a huge hit from Alabama's Agiye Hall just yards from the goal line. Needless to say, Hall didn't get to Ringo as he strolled across the goal line late in the title game in Indianapolis.
Jackson, speaking to the media after spring practice on Thursday, said he remembers every part of the play.
"It's about time I had to talk about that one," Jackson said. "Every part about that play, I'll remember that for the rest of my life. Obviously, Kelee made a heck of a play on the ball. Now that I look back, I see people were telling him to get down, but I was just following him. As I said, he made a heck of a return. I thought we were about to walk in, and then I look to my left, and here he (Agiye Hall) comes out of nowhere. In that moment, I wasn't feeling anything. I'm just glad we got in the endzone."
It was one of three questions Jackson answered on Thursday.
He talked about what it's being like playing at such a high level despite being a smaller player.
"It's just my mindset," he said. "The way I was raised, the way I've been coached growing up. Just having a fearless mindset. In football, you’ve got to be able to throw your body in there when you're needed."
Jackson also spoke about his new position coach, Will Muschamp. Muschamp is co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach for the Bulldogs this season.
"He has been a game-changer for me and, I would say, all the other DBs," Jackson said. "Having that great defensive mind in there critiquing us every day, that's something I'm really grateful for. We're blessed to have him for sure."
