Utilizing their final-play loss to  Michigan   as motivation for 2024, Ohio State Left Guard Donovan Jackson

Jackson wasn’t sure he would return. The road grader, a five-star talent out of high school who was selected twice to the first team of the Big Ten, had the potential to be selected on the second day of the NFL draft.

Jackson sought guidance from former NFL players at Ohio State, including C.J. Stroud, Thayer Mumford, Nicholas Petit-Frere, and Paris Johnson Jr., whom he referred to as one of his closest friends, before making his decision. He believed there were ways he might make his draft status better. But in the end, the most important issue was the unfulfilled expectations from losing to Michigan and missing out on a Big Ten title opportunity three years in a row.

Likewise, for numerous other graduating seniors who choose to come back. As

It took a lot of work, Jackson noted. “At the end of the day, it was my choice, and I felt that I wasn’t satisfied with my college career yet, so I talked to the boys in my class and found out where their minds were at. Many individuals come in with goals and ideas of what they want to do, and I have generally had positive experiences on the field. However, I don’t think it was quite where I wanted it to be in terms of what I want to leave behind and what I want to demonstrate for myself.

Jackson claimed that he hasn’t looked back on his decision in a long time.

Upon making the decision to return, I experienced a sense of relief.

Seth McLaughlin, a January transfer from Alabama, will start alongside the native Texan at center, and the latter will need to adjust. Tuesday is when Ohio State will begin its on-field practice, and outside of that environment, it is challenging to foster offensive line chemistry. But according to Jackson, McLaughlin has been becoming closer to his colleagues off the field.

There’s just so much an O-lineman can do in terms of chemistry if they don’t hit anything, Jackson said. Since we’re large, we eat out. We’ll hang out and go out to dinner. Our only goal is to develop that chemistry. We’re only getting to know him because he’s a new man in the group, but he’s a really nice guy.

Josh Simmons, the left tackle for the Buckeyes, is projected to start beside Jackson in his second season, and they should get along better after sharing another spring.

In response to a question about developing his rapport with Simmons, Jackson stated, “It’s just more reps.” “The more repetitions you receive, the slower the game becomes, especially when facing our skilled defense. I believe that improving is our only option. Thus, I’m excited about it.

Despite his personal successes, Jackson recognizes in the mirror a number of areas that Ohio State’s fifteen spring sessions will help him with. He’s the type of person who is never content with his current developmental stage.

According to Jackson, “the main things are just straining on the back end of plays, working out in space, and second-level mechanics.” “I think those are the primary things I need to focus on, so I’m going to review all the plays from last year again. I accomplished a lot of things well, but doing things well won’t get you very far. You must excel in those areas. The exciting thing about football is that you’re never satisfied with your performance. since you are never “good.” There’s consistently