Source: Len Catling, UBC Sports Information
Former BC Lions star receiver Paris Jackson has been named receivers coach of the reigning Vanier Cup champion UBC Thunderbirds for the 2016 season.
Jackson was a member of two Grey Cup winning BC Lions squads and has over 400 career CFL receptions totalling nearly 6,000 yards. The Vancouver native’s professional football career spanned more than a decade.
“I’m very excited. Anytime you get the chance to work with a head coach like UBC’s Blake Nill and an offensive coordinator like Steve Burrato the sky is the limit,” says Jackson. “The city of Vancouver, the students, and the fans of UBC football will be proud of what we put on the field this year.”
Great addition to our staff. Former @BCLions standout Paris Jackson to coach @UBCTBirds receivers in 2016 season. pic.twitter.com/HDCFA1mLn3
— Blake Nill (@CoachNill) July 22, 2016
Jackson played his high school football at Carson Graham Secondary in North Vancouver. He was one of the most highly recruited players in Canada after his high school career. In 1998 Nill tried feverishly to recruit Jackson to the St. Mary’s Huskies of the CIS, who he was coaching at the time. Jackson ended up attending Butte College in California before transferring to Utah of the NCAA. Nill will finally have Jackson on his CIS squad, albeit in a coaching capacity.
“I’m very impressed with Paris’ passion and work ethic when coaching,” says Nill. “I’m equally impressed by the presence he brings to the football field, which is vitally important when coaching young players.”
Jackson will fill the void left in UBC’s coaching staff when Greg DeLaval accepted the Director of Athletics position at the prestigous Clear Water Academy in Calgary.
UBC opens training camp on August 13th at Thunderbird Stadium. They begin defense of their 2015 Vanier Cup Championship September 3rd at home versus the Alberta Golden Bears.
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