Dan Jackson had to wait to showcase his skills for NFL scouts. When he finally got his chance, he made the most of it.

The former walk-on turned Georgia defensive anchor worked out for coaches and scouts at Georgia's Pro Day on Wednesday. Without the hitting and physical play that shines on his film, Jackson said he wanted to showcase his speed (which he did with an impressive 40-yard dash time of just over 4.4 seconds), quickness, range, and ability to get in and out of breaks.

But that's not what Jackson hopes teams take away most from watching his workout and meeting with him this week.

"I just want them to realize how much I love the game," Jackson said. "Sometimes you can tell by watching on film, but I feel like once they get to know me, they'll realize that, you know, I don't just like football, but I love it. And I will for the rest of my life."

Jackson is used to being overlooked. His Georgia career famously began by him coming to the Bulldog coaches asking for a tryout. The rest, as they say, is history.

"Talking to Coach Smart yesterday, he said I look nothing like what I did when I came in," Jackson said. "But, you know, I just, I walked around these halls for six years and just, I mean, it's a blessing to be a Georgia Bulldog. That's all I can say."

The doubting continued when Jackson did not receive an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine last month. Many of his teammates spoke out on his behalf at the Combine, arguing that one of the leaders of Georgia's defense should have been invited.

That support meant the world to Jackson. He added that being snubbed has been a motivating factor for him as he prepared for his Pro Day opportunity.

Pro Day wrapped up a Georgia career that Jackson, like most Georgia players, feels has prepared him well for the NFL. The three pillars of the defense - "outhit, outhustle, outcompete" - have been drilled into his mind for the past six years.

For proof of concept, Jackson had to look no further than this year's Super Bowl. The champion Philadelphia Eagles feature former Bulldogs Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Nolan Smith, Nakobe Dean, Kelee Ringo, and Lewis Cine, all former teammates of Jackson.

"I know it wasn't a good offensive game, but for me that was like the best Super Bowl I've ever watched because, you know, just all the guys I've played with flying around, making plays. Those are the type of games I love," Jackson said.

Jackson isn't looking ahead to what it would mean to be drafted. He's glad to have the testing behind him and now let his play speak for itself.

The doubts have followed Jackson his entire career. He hasn't let it stop him to this point and isn't planning on slowing down as he pursues a lifelong dream.

"Definitely always had a chip on my shoulder," Jackson said. "You know, I'm going to have that the rest of the time. And my goal is, because I'm chasing after people right now, and, you know, hopefully soon guys will be chasing after me."