A year after baptism by fire, Adoree’ Jackson is a veteran presence for USC

Adoree’ Jackson experienced one of his first welcome-to-college-football moments last season against Stanford.

In USC’s second game, Stanford tested the then-freshman cornerback when Kevin Hogan passed into the end zone toward Michael Rector.

“We were battling for the ball, me and him both going at it trying to compete,” Jackson recalled this week. “He was trying to get a touchdown. I was trying to get an interception.”

Jackson broke up the pass, the first of many impressive displays by a player who would go on to earn Freshman All-America recognition.

On Saturday, Jackson could again match up against Rector when sixth-ranked USC plays Stanford in a Pac-12 Conference opener at the Coliseum.

Rector caught a 53-yard touchdown pass last week on a flea-flicker play in the Cardinal’s 31-7 victory over Central Florida.

Stanford also features receiver Devon Cajuste and pass-catching running backs Christian McCaffrey and Bryce Love, who scored on a 93-yard pass play last week.

Jackson could be the only veteran presence at cornerback for the Trojans, who have a two-game winning streak against the Cardinal. Senior Kevin Seymour suffered a knee injury last week against Idaho and will be “a game-time decision” for Stanford, Coach Steve Sarkisian said Thursday after a closed practice.

Freshman Iman Marshall or sophomore Jonathan Lockett could start opposite Jackson. Lockett started last week against Idaho.

Jackson also would welcome a more expanded role on offense. He caught four passes for 62 yards against Idaho, one a 30-yard gain that featured him zig-zagging across the field.

Dawson ready for return

Trojans linebacker Lamar Dawson is on track to play for the first time since 2013.

The fifth-year senior from Kentucky made 20 career starts before suffering a knee injury two years ago while the Trojans were preparing for a midseason game against Utah.

The 6-foot-1, 230-pound Dawson was sidelined in 2014 while recovering from surgery.

He suffered a fractured rib during training camp in August and sat out this season’s first two games. But he has been cleared to play against the Cardinal and could share playing time with freshman Cameron Smith.

“He hasn’t played for a little while but Lamar’s a heady player,” Coach Steve Sarkisian said, adding, “He’s a savvy player, he’s got a good feel, he’s kind of slippery getting off blocks, making plays, so I think he and Cam will be a nice complement to one another.”

Quick hit

Neither freshman safety Ykili Ross nor freshman linebacker John Houston Jr. have played in a game. Both might redshirt, Sarkisian said.

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