Eric SorensonLiving in the heart of Los Angeles for the first time this summer, Austin Jackson’s biggest question wasn’t what to eat, but where to eat.
The state’s most decorated 2017 football prospect had enrolled at USC and quickly got accustomed to dozens of restaurants within close proximity to campus.
“Oh man, that should be a whole different [interview],” Jackson said with a wide grin to Sports360AZ.com following the Trojans win over ASU Saturday night. “I’ll keep it short. Wing Stop. Go down to Fat Burger. Really everywhere, honestly.”
The super athletic, now 6-foot-6, 295-pound Jackson gained weight, then turned it into muscle in SC’s strength and conditioning program. The added mass, Jackson weighed 265-270 last season at North Canyon High School, has helped him handle the physicality of college football as the true freshman tackle seen extensive action for the 7-2 Trojans who host Arizona next weekend.
“I think I’m adapting to it pretty well,” Jackson explained. “At the end of the day it’s just football. If you trust in your preparation enough, when you go out there on Saturday, it’s a lot easier.”
There is a deep history between the Jackson family and the Trojans. His grandfather was a star lineman before playing in the NFL for a number of years.
“I feel like every time I step on the field I’m representing my last name and the people I love,” Jackson said. “It makes me want to do so much more.”
IM A TROJAN BABY!✌?✌?❤️? #Fighton #HeltonEra shoutout to Hayes Fawcett for the edit. pic.twitter.com/DNO1NUK7Vn
— Austin Jackson (@ChocoDro) February 1, 2017
A three-sport athlete at North Canyon, who also excelled on the hardwood, Jackson has also adapted quite well to balancing football with his academics. He’s already focused on life after the sport, whenever that may be.
“School is going really good,” he said. “I declared [my major], political science. That’s the field I’m interested in. It’s something I’m going to stick to.”
End of the 1st qtr. #PV leads #NorthCanyon 8-7. Former #Rattler, now #USC tackle @ChocoDro watching his alma mater. #FridayNight360AZ pic.twitter.com/ncazA68jnt
— Eric Sorenson (@EricSports360AZ) October 28, 2017
During his recent visit to the Valley last weekend he also took some time to return to his alma mater, as North Canyon hosted Paradise Valley.
“It was great, I loved to be back,” Jackson explained with a smile. “It was Senior Night. The first senior class I sort of took under my wing as a sophomore. I showed them the ropes. It meant a lot to me.”
Well-said from a student-athlete whose priorities are even greater than his talent between the white lines.
Fight On, Austin Jackson.
