USC’s do-everything cornerback and special teams returner Adoree’ Jackson declared for the 2017 NFL draft earlier this month, after an impressive three years in a Trojans uniform. Although Jackson is preparing for his next steps before entering the league, he hasn’t left USC entirely just yet — in fact, he’s still taking classes on campus. After someone asked him on Twitter why he was still attending classes, Jackson said Tuesday that he’s trying to earn his degree.
USC’s Adoree’ Jackson is still going to class after declaring for the NFL draft
This is pretty cool.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jackson staying in school for the spring semester and getting his degree isn’t too much of a surprise. Since his before his freshman year in 2013, he mentioned a couple times on Twitter about how getting his degree was one of his goals while at USC.
What’s a bit interesting, though, is the timing in which Jackson is choosing to continue to pursue his degree. We’ve seen various NFL players go back to school after their careers began — quarterback Cam Newton earned his degree in 2015, two years after his Auburn career ended. Former Alabama cornerback Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is continuing to pursue his criminal justice degree. Jackson’s case is a bit rare, given that he’s still in school in the months leading up to the NFL draft. The spring leading up to the draft typically features the NFL combine, various meetings with teams, and everything else that goes along with the process.
It also helps that Jackson is based in Los Angeles, one of the major cities in the United States that a lot of prospects go to train prior to the draft.
Kudos to Jackson for going against the norm a bit here and staying in school. This isn’t the first feel-good moment we’ve had from Jackson. Earlier in the season last year, his mother Vianca crashed one of his postgame interviews to reveal this was the first game she was able to see in person after her battle with breast cancer.
“I wasn’t able to come to ... games last year. I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. But God, He saved me in four months,” she said. “He gave me back to my baby, so I can see every game and I can be the proudest momma ... I’m so proud of my son. I’m so proud of you, baby.”
And lastly, we leave you with this hilarious thread of tweets from Jackson describing the agonizing first few days of the semester for a college student.
Jackson finished his USC career with six interceptions (five of them from 2016 alone) and eight career return touchdowns. He played far less receiver in 2016, but in 2015 had 27 receptions for 414 yards.
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