Kelvin Jackson’s college football career has taken more twists and turns than a mountain road.

Starting in North Carolina before traveling back through his native Mississippi and on to the plains of Texas, the road is finally coming to an end for the former Port Gibson star. After three schools and one position change, Jackson has finally found a home as a starting defensive tackle at North Texas.

“It’s been one ride. Some good, some bad,” Jackson said. “I’m coming up on my last year. I feel I’m in the best shape I’ve been, so this is the year to do good things.”

Jackson’s journey started at Port Gibson, where he was a state powerlifting champion and played on both the offensive and defensive lines for the school’s football team.

He signed with Football Championship Subdivision school North Carolina A&T out of high school, but said he never felt at home there. After two seasons — including a redshirt year, during which he switched positions from offensive guard to defensive tackle — Jackson transferred to Itawamba Community College.

“I felt like it was a good school, but I never really felt comfortable. Even though it wasn’t that far from home, it felt like it,” Jackson said of North Carolina A&T. “I had a feeling I was missing out.”

Jackson had a strong sophomore season at Itawamba. He racked up 41 total tackles, nine for loss, and three sacks to earn second-team All-Mississippi Association of Community and Junior College honors.

The performance earned him several scholarship offers. He settled on North Texas, once again packing his bags for the Division I ranks.

“I just felt like it was a good fit for me. Denton, Texas is a real nice area,” Jackson said.

Jackson earned a

starting job with the Mean Green last season, only to suffer a dislocated elbow in a double-overtime loss to Ohio the second week of the season. Jackson played through the injury, but was limited. He played in 11 games, starting five, and finished with just 16 tackles and one sack.

“Last year, the first two games I played good. The second game, I dislocated my elbow. After that, it was a struggle trying to play with that injury,” Jackson said.

Jackson rehabbed the elbow in the offseason and had a strong spring that put him in position to lock down a starting spot. He’s also on track to graduate in December with a degree in sociology.

Jackson wasn’t sure if there’s more football ahead of him after this season. As he reflected on the strange path his career has taken, though, he said he’s glad it played out the way it did.

“To be honest, that’s something that always crosses my mind,” Jackson said. “You think, ‘I should’ve stayed there,’ but I wouldn’t give it up. The people I met, the good coaches I’ve had, you can’t take that back.”