Freshmen Adoree' Jackson, Chris Hawkins Aim to Super-Power USC Secondary

A gleeful USC head coach Steve Sarkisian may have coined a new nickname for freshman phenom Adoree’ Jackson at the Trojans’ practice last Wednesday.

“No. 2 is the kryptonite of the offense,” Sarkisian shouted over the music blaring on the Loker Track Stadium PA system.  

The cornerback Jackson had just forced his third turnover of the scrimmage period. Sarkisian called him the “player of the day,” after the morning’s practice.

So, can we start calling the 5-star 2014 signee Jackson “Kryptonite” now?

“For the day, I guess,” he laughed. “I made a couple of good plays, but I’ve got to keep doing that from now on for the nickname to stick.”

Jackson will get ample opportunity to make plays this season. The freshman has already contributed in all three phases of the game: at cornerback on defense, wide receiver on offense and returning on special teams.  

His three-way play has produced four receptions for 32 yards and a touchdown; three kickoffs returned an average of 27 yards; and three tackles, two of which went for a loss.

USC’s Week 4 bye afforded Jackson the opportunity to work on all three facets of his game.

"[Playing in all three phases] doesn't get difficult at game time, because in practice you get a lot of reps," he said. Jackson added the practice time is dedicated to "getting mentally ready."

The freshman may need to focus much of his energy on unleashing some kryptonite on the passing Superman of the Pac-12, Oregon State quarterback Sean Mannion.

Mannion set the conference’s single-season record with 4,662 yards through the air in 2013, and Oregon State’s 372.6 yards per game ranked third in the nation.

Jackson recognizes the challenge of facing the Beavers' pass-heavy attack, but he also sees the chance to earn the nickname Sarkisian inadvertently created at practice.

"It's a good chance for the [defensive backs] to get some pass deflections, some interceptions and if we can't get there in time, some tackles," Jackson said.

Mannion relies on multiple receivers to pile up his considerable statistics. Four Beavers have 10 catches or more this season. Thus, USC needs a superb team effort to ground Oregon State. 

Fortunately for Trojans defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox, the combination of Jackson and Chris Hawkins gives USC a potential dynamic duo.  

Like Jackson, Hawkins is a first-year contributor to the Trojans defense. However, Hawkins didn’t arrive at USC with the same fanfare. A 4-star prospect out of nearby Rancho Cucamonga, California, Hawkins redshirted the 2013 campaign to get up to speed with the college game.

The learning year paid off. Hawkins impressed during preseason camp, earning a spot atop the depth chart even before redshirt senior Josh Shaw’s indefinite suspension.

With Shaw out, Hawkins has stepped up as one of the leading playmakers in the secondary. He's made 11 tackles, deflected a pass and, against Boston College, grabbed his first career interception.

"It was something I worked toward for a long time, so I wasn't surprised when it happened," Hawkins said of his pick. "But I will say to get the win, I'd give my first college interception back."

Of course, the two things don't have to be mutually exclusive. Hawkins has plenty more interceptions ahead in his USC career, some of which should play a part in Trojans victories.

Perhaps then, Hawkins will get his own new nickname from the coaching. In the meantime, his presence in tandem with Jackson ensures a double-dose of kryptonite for Pac-12 offenses for years to come, starting with Oregon State.

Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise cited. Statistics compiled via CFBstats.com unless otherwise noted. Recruiting rankings and information courtesy of 247Sports.com composite scores.