The former Purdue receiver had an outstanding season last year.

The secret, Burks would say during the 2023 season, was a Chipotle-induced diet that transformed his body.

Burks now plays for the Oklahoma Sooners, but he may have started a new tradition of burrito-inspired weight gain.

Now it’s redshirt freshman running back Elijah Jackson, a star in high school track at Lawrence Central in Indianapolis, who had no offers for the Division I football team and decided to come to Purdue as a walk-on.

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The 2024 Jackson bears no resemblance to the 2023 version other than speed.

“He’s really committed to working hard,” said Purdue running back Devin Mockobee. “He really tries hard to get on the field.”

That extra mile led Jackson to the order line at Chipotle, where he went so often that he said employees now know him by name and his order: white rice, pinto beans, double chicken, corn and sour cream.

More: Last year he was the biggest surprise in the Big Ten. Now Dillon Thieneman wants to “leave no doubt.”

On Saturday, the 2023 Indiana high school state champion in the 100-meter dash will kick back for the Purdue Boilermakers when they open the season against Indiana State.

“He’s really, really fast,” said Purdue head coach Ryan Walters. “He was a track athlete in high school and that definitely translates to the football field.”

But now Jackson is really, really strong too.

Even with Chipotle drive.

“I ate chipotle, rice and chicken every day and gained 30 pounds just by eating three meals a day,” said Jackson, who is now 5-foot-10 and weighs 190 pounds.

The key, however, was to maintain Jackson’s outstanding speed while building mass.

Elijah Jackson, a graduate of Lawrence Central University, from Purdue on growth and big role

Elijah Jackson, a graduate of Lawrence Central University, came to Purdue as a small but quick walk-on. A year later, he is more muscular and returning kickoffs.

A season ago, when Jackson was 30 pounds lighter, it felt like anyone else on Purdue’s roster could have thrown him with ease as long as they could catch him.

This is no longer the case.

“I feel like I’ve gained more strength,” Jackson said. “I haven’t gained any fat. I’ve gained more power, more strength.”

Purdue took a chance on Jackson based on his athletic ability alone. He’s still behind some veterans in the running back rankings, but he’s too valuable not to use him in some capacity.

“He’s smaller, so it’s hard to see him once he gets behind the blockers,” Walters said. “When he gets out in the open field, it’s pretty electrifying.”

Maybe when the Sycamores kick in Jackson’s direction on Saturday, we’ll find out.

Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @samueltking.