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My football journey started at the age of five, playing in the backyard with my granddad.
From those humble beginnings, I’ve gone on to play for the Memphis Tigers and fulfill my dream of playing Division I football.
It’s hard to describe my excitement for the remainder of this and upcoming college football seasons, but sometimes, it’s good to take a moment and reflect on your accomplishments.
Especially when you aren’t even supposed to be here.
Not according to plan
Growing up, my dream was always to be a Tiger.
An LSU Tiger, however.
As a Louisiana native, LSU was the team I watched growing up and the one I envisioned being a part of as a kid.
The thought of playing football in the SEC drove me through my high school years.
So, when it was time for my recruiting process to kick in, I was focused on turning that vision into reality.
But, things came very differently.
I thought LSU was my destination, but God had other plans for me.
After some conversations with Coach Silverfield and checking out campus, I was blown away by what was happening here in Memphis.
It felt great to be wanted and become part of an environment that truly valued its student-athletes.
It didn’t take long after those first impressions to make my decision.
I was going to be a Memphis Tiger and make a name for myself down here.
Rocking and rolling
After that moment, it was like a weight was lifted off my shoulders, you know?
I could play so much freer knowing that I could make that kind of play at the DI level.
If UCF was when I had my breakout play, then East Carolina is when I had my breakout game.
I was just balling out.
I was all over the field making plays. It felt like everything slowed down — in some ways, it reminded me of my time when I was a kid where playing football came to easily.
Every moment and every game builds off the other, and all this hard work and breakthrough moments have allowed me to have the best start of my career this season.
I’ve worked hard to get to this point, but none of it would be possible without the University of Memphis.
The brotherhood
Memphis is special.
It’s hard to put it into words, but there’s just an atmosphere and energy here that’s unlike anywhere else I’ve been.
My teammates are not even my teammates; they’re more like my brothers.
We’re a brotherhood here in Memphis, and I know I’m not the only one feeling this way.
We have each other’s back.
I know my teammates are there to support me.
If I make a mistake, they cover for me and vice versa.
That kinship extends to the fans, alums, student body, and community.
Win or lose.
We feel unconditional love from the crowd that makes us want to go that extra mile.
To make that third down stop, extend your hand and make a play, and spend that extra time in the classroom or the weight room to improve.
They give us their hearts and ask for nothing in return.
It’s only right we return the favor.
I may have had different visions of what I wanted as a kid, but I think little Cam’ron Jackson would be so proud of the person I’ve become.
I found my calling in football and my home in Memphis, and I can’t wait to keep adding to the legacy here and be a prime example of what a University of Memphis football player can become.
