Adoree’ Jackson, Zach Banner Named First Team All-Americans

Adoree’ Jackson and Zach Banner were named First Team All-Americans by CollegeSportsMadness.com, becoming USC’s 164th and 165th All-Americans honorees.

Adoree’ Jackson secured his place in Trojan history Wednesday, becoming the first USC cornerback to earn All-American status since Nate Shaw in 1966.

Joining him, offensive tackle Zach Banner capped his Trojan career with first team honors from CollegeSportsMadness.com.

Jackson was also named the third team kick and punt returner.

Jackson and Banner are USC’s first officially recognized All-Americans since Nelson Agholor and Leonard Williams in 2014.

The cornerback led the Trojans with four interceptions and 11 pass break ups as a junior, adding 51 tackles, two tackles for loss and a fumble recovery to his stat sheet. He is a finalist for the Thorpe Award and was also a finalist for the Paul Hornung Award as one of the nation’s most versatile players.

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Though USC has a rich history of churning out elite safeties, the ranks at cornerback have been comparably slim.

Shaw was a consensus defensive back All-American for the Trojans in 1966, but Jackson may be the first USC player with the “CB” designation on the All-American walk.

Moreover, the All-American nod all but ensures Jackson’s place in the conversation to be called the greatest cornerback to ever wear the cardinal and gold.

Thanks to Jackson, the No. 2 is now tied with the No. 71 as the most honored Trojan jersey number, with five All-Americans donning it from Morley Drury and Steve Smith to Taylor Mays, Robert Woods and now Jackson.

Up front, Banner joins an illustrious group of tackles at USC to go on the All-American wall. He was the leader of the Trojan offensive line, picking up All-Pac-12 first team honors for his senior season as well.

Banner is the first All-American tackle for USC since Matt Kalil in 2011. His No. 73 jersey also boasts All-Americans Elmer Willhoite and Tony Slaton.

UPDATE: Sporting News named Jackson to their All-American first team at cornerback.

Jackson would be considered a consensus All-American if two more of the AP, Football Coaches Association, Football Writers Association and the Walter Camp Foundation also vote him to their first teams.

UPDATE 12/8: The Walter Camp Foundation named Jackson to their All-American first team at defensive back, moving him one step closer to consensus status.