Adoree’ Jackson Named Finalist For 2016 Paul Hornung Award

Adoree’ Jackson was named a finalist for the 2016 Paul Hornung Award, which is given to the nation’s most versatile in college football.

For the second consecutive year, Adoree’ Jackson is in the running to be honored as the top versatile player in the nation, joining Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey, Michigan’s Jabrill Peppers and Oklahoma’s Dede Westbrook as a finalist for the Paul Hornung Award.

Jackson has contributed to USC’s campaign in every facet of the game this year. As a cornerback, he has been one of the Trojans most reliable figures, logging 45 tackles, a team-best four interceptions, seven pass break ups and a tackle for loss.

On special teams he has returned both a kickoff and punt for touchdowns and has also taken snaps on offense.

Though his role on the offensive side of the ball has been reduced this year compared to last, Jackson provided a key first down during USC’s upset against Washington on Saturday and has often been used as a decoy for the Trojans.

Last year, Jackson missed out on becoming the first Trojan to win the Hornung Award since it was established in 2010. Both he and Peppers were beaten by McCaffrey in the voting.

This time around the two defensive players have a leg up on their offensive counterparts, with McCaffrey taking a slight step back from the ungodly all-purpose numbers he produced as a sophomore.

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The question for Hornung voters is whether or not Jackson’s impressive special teams numbers and All-American-level play at cornerback will elevate him over Peppers’ greater involvement in the Wolverine offense.

In addition to Jackson in 2015, USC has produced a Hornung Award finalist once more, when Marqise Lee was beaten out by Tavon Austin in 2012.

The winner of the Hornung Award is selected by a committee with 16 members. A 17th vote comes courtesy of fans, who can join the selection process by voting at www.paulhornungaward.com.

The winner will be announced on December 7.