USC’s Cameron Smith hopes fun times continue in homecoming against California
USC linebacker Cameron Smith (35) intercepts a pass from Utah quarterback Travis Wilson during the second half of the Trojans’ 42-24 win over the previously unbeaten Utes.
Cameron Smith grew up in Roseville, Calif., about a two-hour drive from Memorial Stadium in Berkeley.
So Saturday’s football game against California will be a homecoming of sorts for USC’s freshman linebacker, who had a starring role in last week’s victory over previously unbeaten Utah.
Smith intercepted three passes, returning one for a touchdown. He was celebrated by coaches and teammates and was selected the Pac-12 Conference’s defensive player of the week
“It’s been fun,” Smith said Wednesday.
The typically stoic Smith, who has a team-best 62 tackles, said teammates have ribbed him about the post-interceptions attention.
“I just take it with a grain of salt and just enjoy every minute with these guys,” he said. “They’re awesome and this is a great team.”
A contingent of family and friends will be at the Cal game to see Smith, who helped lead Granite Bay High to the 2014 state Division I bowl title.
California features quarterback Jared Goff and a corps of talented receivers. Smith does not anticipate another three-interception game.
“If you’re looking for those plays, they don’t really come,” he said. “So I’m just going to go out there keying on my assignments and doing everything I can for the team to make the team better.”
It’s all relative
Freshman tailback Ronald Jones II was inspired to play especially well against Utah because his family, including his grandmother, drove from Texas to California for the weekend.
Jones rushed for 73 yards and a touchdown in 15 carries.
“For my grandma to finally see me play in person [at USC] meant a lot to me,” Jones said.
Jones has rushed for a team-best 453 yards and four touchdowns. He reiterated that he was happy with his role, which has been as a backup to senior Tre Madden and junior Justin Davis.
“I think it’s expanding a little bit game by game,” he said. “But it’s not really about that right now. We’re just trying to stay together as a team and play for one another.”
Interim Coach Clay Helton said Jones’ role would continue to grow as he improves his pass protection and receiving skills.
“He’s always been a terrific runner,” Helton said, adding that Jones had taken another step by reading blocks well.
Unhappy returns
Adoree’ Jackson earned a reputation as a productive kickoff return specialist as a freshman last season.
He returned two kickoffs for touchdowns, including one in USC’s Holiday Bowl victory over Nebraska.
But Jackson is not happy with his performance this season.
Asked where he felt his kick-return game was, he said, “Nowhere.”
Jackson returned a kickoff 97 yards against Stanford but it was nullified because of a penalty.
He is averaging 22.7 yards per return. His longest return was 40 yards.
“I haven’t even got past the 50, I believe,” he said. “I don’t feel like I’m doing great kick-return wise.”
Jackson started at receiver last week. He will start at cornerback against Cal.
Quick hits
Receiver Steven Mitchell Jr., who was sidelined for the Utah game because of an ankle injury, participated in most drills and appears on track to play against Cal. Receiver Darreus Rogers (hamstring) also worked during practice. ... USC is scheduled to release its renovation plan for the Coliseum on Thursday.
Twitter: @latimesklein
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