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Jackson waiting for a call from NFL


Ex-Marshall and Syracuse star seeking a spot as receiver/returner


James Johnson
Democrat and Chronicle



Maurice Jackson is waiting for a phone call leading to a toehold for himself in the National Football League.

The former All-Greater Rochester co-player of the year from Marshall High heeded advice from his agent and headed north after being released by the Buffalo Bills last summer.

Jackson is back in the United States looking for an invitation to an NFL training camp after he returned punts and kickoffs in two games for the Canadian Football League’s British Columbia Lions.

According to Jackson, his agent, Harold Lewis, said that the New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints have expressed interest in the ex-Syracuse University wide receiver.

“He said that something will happen in the next few days,� Jackson said. “It looks like it was a move for the better.’’

Jackson’s best asset at 5-feet-8 and 175 pounds is his speed. He was timed running the 40-yard dash in 4.18 seconds during his senior year at Syracuse. Last summer in Pittsford, Jackson was in training camp with the Bills until the roster cutdown to 65 players.

Making another run at the Bills roster became less likely after the team signed other receivers during the off-season.

“As long as you are playing where people can see you,� Jackson said. “Anything else, like staying on a practice squad, is not worth it.

“You could have a job and work for the pay they give you.�