Ranking the 10 best USC defensive backs of all-time

9. Adoree’ Jackson

There have been many great safeties in USC history, but picking out a truly great cornerback from the Trojan ranks was much more difficult before Adoree’ Jackson came around.

Jackson built his reputation around college football as an all-around talent. He was a two-time finalist for the Hornung Award as one of the nation’s most versatile players. However, his ability as a cornerback for the Trojans was also unrivaled.

The Pac-12 named him Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2014 after he won a starting job within the first month of his first season. He didn’t give up his first touchdown until the final game of that season.

As a sophomore, Jackson proved that his freshman showing was no fluke. He was named an All-Pac-12 first team defender and returned his first interception for a key touchdown against Cal.

Jackson’s junior campaign saw him get even more of the recognition he deserved. He was a consensus All-American selection and became USC’s second-ever Thorpe Award winner as the nation’s best defensive back.

Unlike many of the others on this list, Jackson hasn’t had time to solidify his place as an equally great cornerback in the NFL, but his future appears bright. He was drafted No. 18 overall in teh 2017 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans.