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If you’ve been to Washington’s training camp this summer, you’ve probably seen the daily battles between wide receiver Terry McLaurin and cornerback William Jackson III. Even if you’ve not been to camp, you’ve likely read about the two or watched a video.
The third-year receiver and Washington’s new No. 1 cornerback have gone at one another — in a friendly manner — each day in practice. McLaurin has won his share of reps; Jackson has won his share.
After Monday’s practice in Ashburn, Jackson spoke to the media about his battles with McLaurin.
William Jackson III said that it's been fun going up against Terry McLaurin. He said the two of them talk (real low) because he know folks😅can hear the trash talk. It's good having two players of a high caliber competing against one another
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) August 2, 2021
Jackson also spoke of the first time he met McLaurin on the field. It was Week 11 in the 2020 season when Jackson’s Cincinnati Bengals traveled to FedEx Field to face McLaurin and Washington.
Washington would win the game, 20-9, and McLaurin would lead the team with five receptions for 84 yards. Jackson and McLaurin were often matched up with one another on that day.
Jackson said McLaurin is even better now than he was in November, stressing his releases are a lot better. That’s interesting, considering McLaurin said a point of emphasis for him over the offseason was to work on his releases and did so with former NFL receiver Doug Baldwin.
The daily matchups will make both Jackson and McLaurin even better players.
Jackson finished his presser by talking about Washington’s pass-rushers. He’s certainly excited to play behind that group in 2021.
William Jackson III, on Washington's defensive line: “It’s been great just to play behind those guys. All of them guys are first-round talents, they get after the quarterback. So it’s making my job easier for a change.”
😳
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 2, 2021
Fans will be excited to see Jackson line up against the opposition’s No. 1 wide receiver this fall as the team has lacked a true No. 1 corner for years.
That should change with Jackson.