Watching USC players go to the NFL has become a normal occurrence for football fans in Southern California. However, now that the Los Angeles Rams have returned home, it has created a situation where fans may possibly have the chance to root for their local players in a Rams uniform.
If Adoree’ Jackson had his way, he would want just that. According to Elisa Hernandez of Rivals, Jackson talked about how special it would be to remain in Los Angeles and build a Trojan family within the team:
“I grew up a St. Louis Rams fan, so it’s always fun and exciting to be in front of the team that you grew up with —- your dream team. I went to high school here a little bit. Just being out here I feel like it would be a homecoming. And we (I say we because I’m a Rams fan still) just got Robert Woods [who also went to USC]. He’s coming back.”
Growing up in Illinois, Jackson was a Rams fan before moving out to Los Angeles where he was a multi-sport athlete at Serra High School. Although it is not unusual for any NFL prospect to express the desire to play for their native team, it just so happens that the Rams are in desperate need of some depth at defensive back and a return man. Benny Cunningham just signed with the Chicago Bears and Trumaine Johnson’s future with the Rams remains relatively cloudy after he was hit with the franchise tag for the second year in a row.
Jackson is a versatile athlete who was effective in nearly every facet of the game during his time at USC as a corner, return specialist, and even as a wide receiver. Those who watched his magnificent three-touchdown performance against Notre Dame already have a good idea of how many ways he can impact the game.
However, perhaps what is even more impressive was the time he managed to run down Alabama running back Damien Harris to save a sure touchdown, despite his team being dominated 31-3 in the third quarter. His high motor and love for the game will make him a perfect fit with a Rams organization looking to boost their locker room morale.