Jack Jones’ ineligibility is opportunity for other USC football cornerbacks

Jack Jones’ academic ineligibility could be a case of addition by subtraction for USC football in 2018. It’s certainly an opportunity for other cornerbacks.

USC football will be without third-team All-American cornerback Jack Jones in 2018, according to reports, but the academic ineligibility of the junior doesn’t have to be a major blow for the Trojans.

It may even be a case of addition by subtraction.

That’s not meant to be harsh on Jones, who was a five-star talent and showed it at times in 2017. He led USC with four interceptions on the year and had memorable performances against Cal and Utah.

But Jones was also a liability at times for USC. He was prone to matching each exceptional play with a head-scratching one. For every interception, there was a blown assignment. For every deflection, there was an unnecessary personal foul.

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Put simply, Jones was a feast-or-famine player for a Trojan defense which allowed too many teams to feast, one big play at a time.

The biggest imperative for USC’s defense in 2018 is cutting out the killer individual mistakes which led to big plays in 2017. The Trojans ranked 119th in FBS in opponent plays of 20 or more yards.

While there may have been hope for Jones to simply develop some consistency this offseason, he missed the chance to make strides during Spring Camp.

Now, instead of worrying about Jones being able to maintain his focus, keeping on the same page as his teammates on defense, the Trojans will simply move on. Jones won’t be able to contribute his stellar moments. But he also won’t be around to make the backbreaking mental mistake or penalty.

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In replacing Jones, who started 13 of 14 games last year, USC will look for a steadier ride. None of Isaiah Langley, Jonathan Lockett or Greg Johnson have the same pure athleticism Jones could bring, but they won’t have to match him in that regard if they bring more of a level head to the position.

Langley and Lockett are both seniors. The former earned a start over Jones in the Cotton Bowl. The latter had been a starter under Clancy Pendergast before a long injury saga.

Meanwhile, Johnson impressed coaches immediately with his instincts and understanding of the scheme as a freshman. A shoulder injury ended his first year early, but he was on track for playing time in 2017.

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Somewhere in that group USC should be able to find a starter to pair with Iman Marshall. They may not draw All-American acclaim, but they could add some much needed stability. Avoiding liability status alone would go a long way.

Plus, the Trojans will have five-star talent available. Olaijah Griffin and Isaac Taylor-Stuart ranked third and fourth among 2018 cornerbacks. Both fit the mold of an elite skilled athlete like Jones. Those two may be the biggest winners in all this. With Jones on the outside, Griffin or Taylor-Stuart will have a greater the opportunity to battle for his role. That goes for cornerback and special teams duties.

Losing a player to academic ineligibility is never ideal. Still, USC should be able to cope with Jones’ loss.