By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Ray Jackson is trying to make the jump from selling footballs to carrying one in the NFL.

Former UC standout Ray Jackson, who hopes to win a job with the Bengals, stands on the sideline with No. 1 draft pick Carson Palmer. (Michael E. Keating photo) | ZOOM |

The former University of Cincinnati running back - who missed a year of playing time when no professional offers came his way - kept busy. He worked in the sporting goods department of the Westwood Wal-Mart and as a camp counselor for the Cincinnati Recreation Commission.

But Jackson didn't give up on his boyhood dream of playing in the NFL. He made good use of his off time. He got bigger, growing from 215 pounds to 227. He got faster, dropping his 40-yard dash time from 4.6 seconds in 2001 to 4.41.

"He might be one of our fastest players," coach Marvin Lewis said.

And being away from the game he loves made Jackson's fire to play burn even hotter.

Signed March 13 to a two-year contract, the long shot has worked his way into serious consideration for the opening day roster. One front office member said Jackson is the most pleasant surprise of offseason workouts.

"I come to work every day like it's my last day, like it's do or die," Jackson said. "I haven't made it yet."

Running back is one of the Bengals' deepest positions. Behind Corey Dillon are Brandon Bennett and Rudi Johnson.

Jackson has impressed coaches during the team's conditioning program and minicamps. (Michael E. Keating photo) | ZOOM |

But Jackson brings his own credentials. The Indianapolis native started his college career at Michigan before transferring to Cincinnati. After sitting out 1999, Jackson rushed for 1,486 yards and 13 touchdowns, and had a 16.1-yard average and five touchdowns on 40 pass receptions for the Bearcats.

He wasn't drafted, and problems with his previous agent cost Jackson a free-agent contract.

"I look at it as a learning experience," Jackson said. "Not having football in my life was a humbling experience. It made me want it even more. When God shuts one door, he opens another."

Special teams appear to be his best shot at making the 53-man roster. Jackson is working on all kick coverage and return teams.

"He's always going to try to do it the right way," special teams coach Darrin Simmons said.

Even though he's technically a rookie, Jackson appears to have made up for lost time. He has shown up every day for the team's extensive offseason strength and conditioning program.

"What we have done since he has been here, you can't tell the difference between him and the other guys," Lewis said.

"We have to go play live, and he's going to have to show how he carries his pads, and runs and protects the football and pass protects. But right now, from what he has done, I can't wait to see him. He is going to be an exciting guy for people to follow."

Jackson, who will be 25 on Aug. 1, has more than physical maturity on his side. He said he grew up emotionally in his year away from football. It's more than glory he's chasing. He wants to take good care of his fiancee and his daughter, 16-month-old Ramei. He's going to finish the few course hours he needs for his criminal justice degree at UC.

Jackson knows how to be professional, something Lewis demands of his players.

At Wal-Mart, "Ray was very customer-oriented, always on time," said store manager Brian Gibson. "He was very well-mannered. And he never was cocky about being a football player."

Jackson worked last summer in the CRC's Juice Program, which provides low-income children a summer-camp experience at 13 Cincinnati parks. Stationed at Laurel Park in the West End, he played games with the children and supervised activities. He made frozen soft drinks and cooked barbeque.

"He had a hard time with the discipline because he has such a soft heart for kids," said Tonaruse Witherspoon, director of the Price Hill Recreation Center and an overseer of the summer program.

"If Ray makes it to the NFL, it will send a big message to a lot of kids who know him. It's about taking care of yourself and working hard to make your dreams come true."

If he becomes an NFL player, Jackson will give away Bengals merchandise, the same way he gave away Bearcats items. The CRC children are not just part of Jackson's past. He plans to maintain contact with the program.

"When I grew up, it wasn't the best of lives, but we made it. We had enough," said Jackson, one of eight children. "But these kids, it was, 'Whoa, they might not even know where their next meal will come from.'

"I work as hard as I can so nobody in my family will have to go through that. I hate to think of anybody going through that."

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com