USC Football’s 2017 NFL Draft class has started to receive their rookie numbers, as rookie minicamps around the league open up this weekend.
It’s only been a week since the 2017 NFL Draft in Philadelphia, but the league is already ready to go with rookie minicamps. That means only one thing: new jersey numbers.
USC’s only first round selection of the year, Adoree’ Jackson, became the first Trojan draftee to pick his new number, opting for the Tennessee Titans’ No. 25.
Jackson’s number change from 2 to 25 was made necessary by the restriction for defensive backs to wear numbers between 20 and 49, though the jersey he picked with the Tennessee Titans makes sense on several levels.
Jackson’s high school No. 21 is already occupied by safety Da’Norris Searcy. So the corner opted for No. 25, which is a combination of his USC No. 2 as well as Reggie Bush’s No. 5.
It’s no secret that Jackson idolized Bush, and there was even talk that he might be able to wear the No. 5 at USC since it is technically no longer retired as a Heisman number. Technically.
With that in mind, it’s even more fitting for Jackson to wear the No. 25, because it was also Bush’s first NFL number with the Saints. It also happens to be LenDale White’s number from when he was with the Titans.
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Here’s the latest rookie numbers, updated as they’re announced by the respective NFL teams…
Known Numbers
- DB Adoree’ Jackson (Tennessee Titans): No. 25
- WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (Pittsburgh Steelers): No. 19
- OT Zach Banner (Indianapolis Colts): No. 72
- DL Stevie Tu’ikolovatu (TB Buccaneers): No. 97
- DB Leon McQuay (Kansas City Chiefs): No. 34
- OL Damien Mama (Kansas City Chiefs): No. 64
- WR Isaac Whitney (Oakland Raiders): No. 9
- OL Jordan Simmons (Oakland Raiders): Mo. 65
Awaiting Numbers
- OL Chad Wheeler (NY Giants)
- WR Darreus Rogers (Seattle Seahawks)
- RB Justin Davis (LA Rams)
Zach Banner’s new number is just a step off his old one. Having worn No. 73 throughout his high school and USC career, the big offensive tackle will now don the No. 72 for Indianapolis.
Guard Joe Haeg, the Colts’ fifth round pick last year, already laid claim to No. 73.
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It’s also a one-number shift for Buccaneers defensive lineman Stevie Tu’ikolovatu, who traded in his No. 96 for the No. 97.
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Of course, number changes are nothing new for Tu’ikolovatu. He wore No. 90 at Utah before switching to No. 96 when he transferred to USC. Coincidentally, the No. 96 was unavailable because it belongs to former Ute Sealver Siliga.
The rest of USC’s rookie draft class, JuJu Smith-Schuster with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Leon McQuay III with the Kansas City Chiefs, have yet to be assigned numbers.
The wide receiver won’t be allowed to wear his No. 9 in the pros due to number regulations — receivers are limited to the numbers 10 through 19 and 80 through 89.
Since No. 89 is currently worn by tight end Ladarius Green, Smith-Schuster’s only option to maintain a connection to nine would be to snatch up the No. 19, which is currently unoccupied in Pittsburgh.
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As for McQuay, he’s eligible to wear his old No. 22 but it’s currently owned by safety Marcus Peters.