Hope tabs new running backs coach
Purdue head football coach Danny Hope tonight announced the hiring of Cornell Jackson as the Boilermakers running backs coach.
He replaces Joel Thomas, who left to become running backs coach at Washington.
Jackson, who has 11 years of experience coaching running backs, comes to Purdue from Kansas State, where he was the linebackers coach in 2008.
Cornell is a great addition to our staff, Hope said. He comes highly recommended and has coached in some big-time conferences. Hes an aggressive coach and an excellent recruiter. He preaches ball security, physical running and finishing each play. We really hit the jackpot with him.
Previously, Jackson had stints as running backs coach at Baylor (2007), New Mexico (2005-06), Washington (2004) and Arizona State (1996-99). In 2006, Jackson coached first team All-Mountain West Conference selection Rodney Ferguson, who rushed for 1,132 yards in leading the Lobos to the New Mexico Bowl. The year before, DonTrell Moore earned Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year honors after becoming just the sixth player in NCAA history to rush for 1,000 yards four times in a career.
At Arizona State, Jackson tutored five running backs who went on to be selected in the NFL Draft and two Terry Battle and J.R. Redmond who earned All-Pac-10 recognition. During Jacksons five seasons, the Sun Devils played in three bowl games: 1996 Rose, 1997 Sun and 1999 Aloha.
Jackson coached at Washington for three seasons, beginning with the linebackers in 2002 and followed by the safeties in 2003. In addition to coaching the running backs in 2004, he had additional duties as recruiting coordinator. Jackson was with the Huskies when they lost to Purdue in the 2002 Sun Bowl.
I am excited about the opportunity that coach Hope has given me and my wife, Jackson said. I know that Purdue University is an outstanding school with a highly regarded football program and coaches. I am looking forward to being a part of the staff and working in the Big Ten.
In 2000 and 2001, Jackson coached the linebackers at Houston. He also worked with that position at New Mexico (1995), Pacific (1992-94) and Utah State (1990-91).
Jackson began his career as running backs coach at Butler County (Kan.) Community College in 1987, then moved to Central Missouri State as a graduate assistant working with the running backs in 1988 and 1989.
Jackson has taken part in four NFL internships with the San Diego Chargers (linebackers) in 2004, Denver Broncos (running backs) in 2001, St. Louis Rams (running backs) in 1999 and Seattle Seahawks (linebackers) in 1993.
A native of Jackson, Miss., Jackson (born Sept. 28, 1960) was a two-time all-conference defensive back at Hinds Junior College in 1982 and 1983 before moving on to Sterling (Kan.) College to continue his playing career and earn a bachelors degree in health and physical education in 1986. His wifes name is Lorri.
