Eric Boggs
Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson, a pre-season All-American and key leader on the Buckeyes’ offensive line, made his much-anticipated return to the starting lineup last week against Marshall. Jackson missed the first two games of the season due to a hamstring injury, which sidelined the senior during a crucial stretch for Ohio State’s offensive front.
Reflecting on the injury and his time away from the field, Jackson explained what happened: “You over-stride a little bit one way, and then your hamstring goes another way, and that’s kind of what happened to me.” The soft tissue injury kept Jackson in the training room, where he devoted significant time to recovery. “I was probably living in the training room at one point, just trying to work it back… but at the end of the day, your body just recovers on its own, which for me was the most frustrating part.”
Jackson’s hamstring injury was more challenging than he initially expected. As he shared with the media, he was eager to return but was advised to remain cautious. “I thought I was good to go, and a lot of people told me I wasn’t… Coach [Ryan Day] talked me off a cliff a little bit.” Ultimately, the coaching staff held him out until he fully recovered, a decision that didn’t sit well with the competitor in Jackson, but one that was necessary to ensure he returned at 100%.
While sidelined, Jackson had to watch from the sideline as his teammates took the field without him. One of those teammates was fellow lineman Austin Siereveld, who stepped up in Jackson’s absence. Jackson praised Siereveld for his performance: “Austin’s number was called, and he did a fantastic job. It was great seeing 67 around the field.” The senior admitted he gave some tips to Siereveld, but ultimately, the young lineman handled things on his own. “Austin’s a fantastic athlete. He’s strong as an ox.”
Jackson’s return against Marshall marked a significant moment not only for him but for the Buckeyes’ offensive line. After weeks of frustration and patience, he was finally back on the field, where he belongs. “We’re playing football again. It was amazing,” Jackson said, reflecting on running out of the tunnel in Ohio Stadium, knowing his time in the ‘Shoe is coming to a close. “I know I only have a limited amount of opportunities left to play in the Horseshoe… I never say I take the game for granted, but knowing the number of times I have to do this, windowing down, kind of weighed on me those first few games.”
Jackson’s presence is invaluable to an Ohio State line that features a rotation of players still working to establish chemistry. With Jackson back, the Buckeyes will look to build momentum as they enter Big Ten play.
For Jackson, the focus is now squarely on staying healthy and performing at the highest level possible for his team. “Now that I’m on the field, just keep on balling,” he said with a smile, clearly relieved to be back where he belongs—protecting his quarterback and anchoring Ohio State’s high-powered offense.
