USC Football: Jack Jones enters 2017 with more mature, businesslike attitude

Jack Jones’ more mature approach has served the Trojan cornerback well as he seeks a place in USC Football’s 2017 starting lineup.

USC cornerback Jack Jones may be more well-known for his freshman year Heisman expectation than his actual play in cardinal and gold. But he’s looking to change that in 2017, while maintaining his lofty goals.

The sophomore is in competition for a starting place this year, hoping to step up into the spot vacated by 2016 Thorpe Award winner Adoree’ Jackson.

As a former five-star recruit, he’s always had the athleticism, but he’s bringing even more to the table now in Year 2.

He looks different in the No. 25 jersey and he’s acting different as well.

“He is much more businesslike and mature in this camp.”

“He is much more businesslike and mature in this camp,” head coach Clay Helton said, attributing the growth to a year steeped in USC’s team culture.

“When you’re around a Biggie [Iman] Marshall, a Marvell Tell, a Chris Hawkins, they teach you and show you the way — our way,” Helton said. “Credit to Jack, he’s listened.”

Jones has spent the offseason focused on getting stronger both in the weight room and in the way he plays.

“I’m a little guy, people don’t see me being physical, so me being physical they see something new. They probably wouldn’t know how to handle it,” Jones said. “So that’s what I’m working on, being physical, being the most physical out there. It’s going to be tough but I’m shooting for it.”

Defensive backs coach Ronnie Bradford wants to see even more. It’s all in the details, knowing the little things so well that he doesn’t need to be reminded of them.

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“He’s looking like he’s coming along,” Bradford said. “He’s a young kid. He’s only a true sophomore, so it’s still a process.”

Jones is aware of that. He says the biggest thing he needs to improve is his knowledge of the defense.

“I’ve got to know this defense like the back of my hand. When you know something, you can play faster but if you don’t know then you’re playing slow,” Jones said.

Jones has played fast, nabbing an interception against Sam Darnold on Day 1 and thriving in his position through three practices. Defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast called him one of the standouts of camp so far.

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His teammate, Iman Marshall, can see it also.

“That dude is outstanding. Coverage-wise he’s playing with more control. He’s very instinctual so that’s what sets him apart,” Marshall said.

The end game is a place in the starting lineup. Though he’s consistently commanded first team reps through the opening practices of fall camp, Jones defers to Helton when asked if he considers himself a starting cornerback.

“I’m just doing my best to try to secure the job,” he said.

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Then there’s the Heisman Trophy talk. Even though Jones thinks quarterback Sam Darnold will ultimately bring home the trophy, he’s not counting himself out just yet.

“Good luck Sam,” he says with a laugh. “But just know, I’m coming for him.”