Advertisement

USC’s Adoree’ Jackson says he first dunked in the eighth grade

USC’s Adoree’ Jackson discusses his greatest athletics feats, his 2016 Olympic aspirations and how he manages multiple positions on the football team. 

Share

USC’s Adoree’ Jackson said he first dunked a basketball when he was 5-foot-7 and in the eighth grade.

His story is believable.

Jackson, listed at 5 feet 11 and 185 pounds, was a standout on defense, offense and special teams for the football team as a freshman last season and he capped the year by winning the Pac-12 championship in the long jump.

Trojans Coach Steve Sarkisian said last month at Pac-12 media days that Jackson could be the most gifted athlete he has ever coached.

Advertisement

Jackson called his eighth-grade dunk his most impressive athletic feat and said it helped shape his athletic career.

“That’s when I started long jumping, cause the coaches saw me jump, dunking the ball,” he said.

Jackson will start at cornerback for a second season.

He also will play receiver and return kickoffs, along with the added duty of returning punts.

“The physically gifted part goes a long way. God blessed me a lot and, just blessed me with my physical abilities, just me being smart out there on the field,” Jackson said.

Questions or comments about USC? Email me at LNThiry@gmail.com or tweet @LindseyThiry and I will respond to select messages in a weekly USC Now mailbag.

Advertisement