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By Kris Harrell

Jah’Marren (Jay) Jackson from Mckenzie High School committed to play football for Troy University, receiving a full scholarship with his offer. 

Jackson currently plays with the Mckenzie Tigers as a wide receiver. 

“I’ve pretty much been playing since I was able to play,” Jackson said. “I pretty much just enjoy the sport because of the physicality, not any other sport that we play has this level of physical [activity], so I guess it’s your chance to be able to be you out there on the field.” 

Jackson finished off his senior season of football with a 10-2 record, helping McKenzie get to first place at 6-1 in the regional standing. In his senior season, Jackson also caught 41 passes for 789 yards and completed 10 touchdowns. 

“He’s had maybe three dropped passes the entire year. Out of 41 catches, that’s great odds right there,” said Brian Bradford, the athletic director and head coach at Mckenzie High School. “He’s one of those that you know as a coach calling offensive plays. It makes it easy, because if it’s third down and you need a first down; all you have to do is just throw the ball in his area and he’s going to get it.” 

Additionally, Jackson was named the Class 1A All-State Second Team Wide Receiver by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. This award showcases the best players in the state by classification. 

“It is just a huge honor to be all state: first team, second team, or honorable mention,” Bradford said. “To say that you’re the best at what you do in your classification is a huge honor.”

Throughout Jackson’s senior season, different universities courted the student-athlete, keeping up with his performance. One of those schools was Troy University, who were interested in Jackson for the Trojans football team. 

During the summer, Jackson attended the university’s prospect football camp on the advice of Bradford. After the camp, he was offered a full ride with Troy for his commitment and Jackson signed that same day.  

“They treated me like I was already a part of the team,” Jackson said. “They called every week, to see whether I’m at work, I’m sick, [just] checking on my family. They called regardless. I just feel like, you know, yeah, it was a home away from home.”

In addition to Troy’s offer, Jackson received multiple offers from Tuskegee University, the University of Southern Mississippi, and the University of Alabama in Birmingham.