WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Michael Jackson III is already bringing some pop to the Purdue offense in his short time on the field in West Lafayette. The sixth-year senior that shares a name with the King of Pop heard it all regarding his growing up and is now hearing it as he embarks on a […]
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Michael Jackson III is already bringing some pop to the Purdue offense in his short time on the field in West Lafayette. The sixth-year senior that shares a name with the King of Pop heard it all regarding his growing up and is now hearing it as he embarks on a new journey with the Boilermakers.
Jackson has been flashy on the field for Purdue during fall camp and is poised to translate that to the field when the Boilermakers start playing for real in just over two weeks.
“Since I was a kid, and like, it’s just something that doesn’t go away, but I embrace it now. It’s cool for me to share a name with the legend and everything like that. So you’ll see some touchdown celebrations and stuff this year, just related to that,” Jackson said.
Jackson’s new receivers coach, Cornell Ford, is a native of Gary, Indiana, just like Michael Jackson himself and his father went to school with other Jackson brothers, Tito and Jermaine.
Ford has been thoroughly impressed by one of the Boilermakers’ newest weapons thus far in camp, labeling him the best pickup in a unit that also welcomed Nitro Tuggle, Corey Smith, Chauncey Magwood, EJ Horton, and others this off-season.
“Wow,” Ford said. “He’s been probably our best pickup, I think in the group. He’s played well. He’s been consistent. He’s a tough kid. We ask a lot of him, not only as a wide receiver, but also as a punt returner. He’s a dude for us that I think he’ll continue to do that as well. So we got to keep him healthy, because he’s a big time player.”
Jackson has been one of the top standouts through 12 fall camp practices in August, constantly popping up as a playmaker for the Purdue offense, being on the receiving end of explosive plays from the Purdue quarterback quartet. The ex-USC and Georgia pass catcher sees his versatility as a key reason why he’s been able to make a difference.
“I think just versatility. You can put me anywhere on the field, inside, outside, and just use my speed, use my run after catch ability. So I think I’m just not, a one trick guy for, like, I could really do whatever needs to be done on the field, whether its go deep, middle, medium route, short route, screen, whatever it is, I think I can go do it,” Jackson said.
The experience aspect is something that has been particularly valuable for the man that has turned into the leader of the unit, and has had the most production at the collegiate level of any Purdue pass catcher. Cornell Ford has taken notice, making a declaration about the kind of year he expects from Jackson.
“I mean, his experience is big time. He brings a lot to the table. He’s very calm, very quiet, very to himself, connected. But he’s all about business, fundamentally sound. And as I said, man, thank heavens we got him, because he’s going to make lot of plays for us this year. You’ll be hearing a lot about MJ,” Ford said with a smirk.
Jackson is gearing up for his sixth year of college football in West Lafayette in 2025 and has emerged as the “WR1” for the Boilermakers’ offense. He is not the only leader in the group, however, sharing that he has seen every receiver hold each other accountable.
“I feel like we all lead each other. I feel like, me coming in as a guy that’s been doing this for a few years, I like to be that guy that leads the room. I think we all build on each other, and we play to each other’s strengths. We get on each other, we discipline each other. And so I think it’s just a good, good room,” Jackson said.
“I’m just glad to lead the room and really see everybody make their strides and everything like that. I think we just have a bunch of talent in the room, and everybody’s really coming along really well. So I’m excited for what we’re going to do this year,” Jackson said.
Jackson has been the most consistent pass catcher for Purdue this fall and is poised to be the top option on the outside for the offense. Now the question may be, which dance will he break out for his first touchdown in the old gold and black, with an ode to the King of Pop?
Category: General Sports
