The hope in Vancouver is that B.C. Lions wide receiver Paris Jackson will build upon his career season of 2006 when he hauled in 51 passes for 634 yards. (Chuck Stoody/Canadian Press)
Analysis
Breakout time for Lions' Paris Jackson?
Standout wideout says he's more explosive and stronger
Last Updated Mon., July 9, 2007
Doug Harrison, CBC Sports
Teammate Geroy Simon sees a more focused Paris Jackson, while B.C. Lions director of player personnel Bob O’Billovich believes the fifth-year wide receiver could be on the verge of a breakout season.
What about the man himself?
“I’m more explosive, stronger on my feet,” Jackson, 26, told CBCSports.ca. “I’m a big specimen. If I’m thinking big, no one can hold me back.”
It’s that kind of attitude that has O’Billovich excited about the prospects for the Vancouver native, who totalled 634 yards on a career-high 51 catches last season for the Canadian Football League champions.
“He had a very good [training] camp, probably the best since he’s been here,” O’Billovich told CBCSports.ca. “He’s playing with a lot more confidence and the quarterbacks are showing a lot more confidence in getting the ball to him.”
Simon, a ninth-year slotback, also believes Jackson is capable of a big season, predicting as much as 1,400 reception yards if he stays healthy.
“Focus is the main thing for Paris,” said Simon, the CFL’s 2006 most outstanding player with 105 catches for a league-leading 1,856 yards. “He’s a big, strong Canadian kid who can run and catch the ball but sometimes has the tendencies to drop a few that are catchable. But he’s really working on [correcting] that and he’s accountable to us on offence.”
After taking time to enjoy his first-ever Grey Cup title, Jackson’s focus became the 2007 season. For the first time in his career he stayed in the Vancouver area to train and hooked up with Lions wideout Josh Boden, whose brother Wes grew up with Jackson.
Twice-a-day workouts
“Josh and I worked out every day and sometimes two times a day,” said Jackson. “He pushed me to work hard and showed an energy in training that I had in college [at the University of Utah].”
With everything falling into place, Jackson made a decision this past January to remain in B.C. and signed a contract extension.
A key part of a receiving corps that included all-stars Jason Clermont, Ryan Thelwell and Simon, there were times when Jackson wasn’t thrown the ball much for stretches early last season.
At that time, he gave serious consideration to testing free agency in February.
“I can’t have one or two throws a game. If I get the ball early and often I do big things,” said Jackson, who had three receptions in each of the Lions’ first two games this season for a total of 75 yards. “If I don’t get the ball until later in a game it’s hard to get in a rhythm.”
So what caused Jackson to have a change of heart and remain a Lion?
“The [2006] West final changed a lot of things [with quarterback] Dave [Dickenson] having confidence in me and being in an atmosphere at B.C. Place [Stadium] with 50,000 strong cheering and believing in you,” said Jackson, who put up 66 yards and two spectacular touchdowns on five receptions in a 45-18 victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
“Vancouver is starting to become a football city and I want to be part of a tradition of winning. I want to have the opportunity to be in the Grey Cup every year and B.C. football gives you that, and the chance to better yourself.”
Paris Jackson, middle, made two spectacular catches against Saskatchewan in last year's West final and totalled 66 yards on five receptions in a 45-18 win. (Troy Fleece/Canadian Press)
Faster in 40-yard dash
Lions general manager and coach Wally Buono extended such an opportunity to Jackson in the off-season when he chose not to re-sign Thelwell, a free agent who joined the Calgary Stampeders.
In turn, the six-foot-three, 190-pound Jackson improved his conditioning and came to training camp faster – trimming his time in the 40-yard dash to the high 4.4-second range from high 4.5 – and with something to prove.
“Management told me it was time to step it up in my fifth season,” said Jackson. “With being a leader comes more responsibility and I’m ready. I’ve always wanted to be a vocal leader. I just don’t want to just talk the talk. I want to back up what I’m saying but also let the veteran players say what they have to.”
O’Billovich said veterans like Clermont and Simon have had a big influence on Jackson, something the receiver isn’t taking for granted.
Jackson said Clermont leads by example with his work ethic, while Simon has taught him to react to the play on the field instead of trying to think too much.
“I felt more confident all camp running downfield and I think they [quarterbacks] feel they have a deep threat on the outside to complement Geroy,” said Jackson, who received his $10,000 Grey Cup ring the day before training camp. “If you perform at your top level, the team will.”
And what is Jackson, performing at his best, capable of in 2007?
“If I don’t get 1,000 yards [receiving] it’ll be a disappointing season for me,” he said. “I don’t care how many receptions I have. It’s about how many yards I pick up after I catch the ball and getting in the end zone.”
Related
- Paris Jackson extended by Lions
- Jan. 24, 2007
- Lions win Grey Cup
- Nov. 20, 2006
- Lions win West final in a rout
- Nov. 13, 2006
- Jackson, Lions clinch playoff spot
- Oct. 1, 2006
- Lions draft Jackson 6th overall in 2003
- Apr. 30, 2003
