USC Football: Adoree’ Jackson Named Finalist For Paul Hornung Award

USC football’s Adoree’ Jackson was named one of four finalists for the Paul Hornung Award, which honors the nation’s most versatile college football player.

In the preseason, Jackson seemed an obvious choice to contend for this award, which weighs contributions in all facets of the game by individual players. His play has warranted such expectations. He is the only player in the country with at least 300 yards receiving, 400 yards on kick off returns, 100 yards in punt returns and 10 tackles to his name.

As a cornerback, Jackson forced a fumble on the goal line to turn the tide against Notre Dame and returned an interception for a touchdown to help secure victory against Cal. On the other side of the ball, he is USC’s second-leading receiver on the season and proved himself a devastating weapon with long touchdowns against ASU and the Irish.

He is also USC leading kick and punt returner, but that does not end his contributions on special teams. He returned a blocked kick against Colorado.

Jackson will contend with three other players for the ultimate prize.

Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey, who serves as a running back, plays out of the slot as a receiver, and returns kicks and punts for the Cardinal, is also a finalist.

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Robert Nkemdiche, who has excelled on the defensive line while offering contributions as a goal-line back and tight end, is the first defensive lineman to make the cut as a finalist.

Finally, Michigan safety Jabrill Peppers has moonlighted as a running back, receiver and wildcat quarterback for the Wolverines while also handling special teams duties as a returner. He is the fourth finalist.

There is a public vote component to choosing the winner. You can vote for Jackson, or your favored choice, at paulhornungaward.com.

Voting ends on Dec. 8 at 9:00 p.m.

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