Jackson named as a Player to Watch

Though it seems the offseason just began, college football analysts have already begun making predictions for the 2015 season. Among those early predictions is a list of breakout players to watch in 2015, which takes input from coaches, recruiting evaluations and ESPN.com college football analysts. Atop the list is USC freshman cornerback and wide receiver Adoree’ Jackson.

Jackson demonstrated his duality during the 2014 season, executing key plays on both sides of the ball. Jackson put up 50 tackles at corner and made stylish plays on offense to ignite the Trojans’ scoring drives. One such play was a 71-yard touchdown catch in the Trojans’ bowl game victory over Nebraska.

Jackson also performed on special teams, returning a kick 98 yards for a score against the Huskers in the Holiday Bowl.

Jackson is just one of the underclassmen who shined in 2014. Offensively, freshman wide receiver JuJu Smith had five touchdowns on 54 receptions in 2014. Smith was the No. 2 receiver behind junior wide receiver Nelson Agholor, but will likely assume Agholor’s position in his absence. Redshirt junior wide receiver George Farmer also opted for the NFL draft, leaving Jackson with plenty of room to establish an even more dominant offensive presence.

On defense, Jackson is joined by safety Su’a Cravens, who had five sacks and three interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown.

Quarterback Cody Kessler will return for his senior season, leading a predominantly young Trojan squad.

Jackson turned heads with a leaping flip into the endzone in the Holiday Bowl and will take his talent for jumping to the track and field team this spring. Jackson will be competing in the long jump and sprints for USC.