USC CB Adoree' Jackson to Pursue 2016 Rio Olympics Track and Field

USC cornerback Adoree' Jackson will forgo spring practice this year to pursue his dream of competing in the 2016 Rio Olympics in the long jump, according to Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times.

Jackson told Rich Hammond of the Orange County Register he would still attend football meetings in the spring while he focused on training in the long jump, but he wouldn't participate in on-field drills.

"I'm going to talk to my dad," Jackson told Hammond, "but for me, I'd rather go out there in track and really try to win a national title in the long jump and try to compete for the Olympics."

Jackson participated in track on a part-time basis as a freshman, winning the Pac-12 title in the long jump. He also finished fifth in the nation in the event, jumping 25 feet and 11 inches. He'll need to improve on that mark, however, as the minimum qualifying mark for the United States Olympic trials in July is 26 feet and five inches.

"I've always believed if you're going to be a master at something, you've got to work at it—and don't be a jack of all trades," USC head coach Clay Helton said, per Klein, before adding, "when you get the opportunity to go work for the Olympics, you need to go work at that."

Jackson, a sophomore and a two-year starter for the Trojans, notched 31 tackles and an interception this season. He also made an impact for the team as a wide receiver and a kick and punt returner, scoring five overall touchdowns.