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On Wednesday, the 2016 Impact Trophy Watch List was announced and junior cornerback Adoree Jackson and sophomore inside linebacker Cameron Smith made the cut.
The Lott Impact Trophy honors defensive players who display excellence in character and performance.
Jackson as Trojan fans know, is a man of many talents and he displayed it last season. Carrying the duties of cornerback, returner, and wide receiver, he was the program's first three-way player in two decades. He showed his versatility in the '15 campaign starting 12 games at cornerback, once at safety, and once at wide receiver.
On the defensive side of the ball, Jackson had 35 tackles, 8 deflections, a forced fumble, and an interception return for a touchdown.
Offensively, he had 27 receptions for 414 yards and two TDs while at the receiver position. He also managed to run the ball a little as well, carrying the ball 7 times for 36 yards, making the most of his runs as he averaged 5.1 yards per carry.
As if that was not enough, Jackson proved to be a weapon returner to boot, taking the ball 30 times for 690 yards on kickoff return, while returning punts 24 times for 251 yards and two touchdowns.
Cameron Smith is another Trojan who can make a big impact. After enrolling at USC early in the spring of 2015, Smith got right to work and quickly found his niche within the defense.
He started at the position as a first-year freshman before a knee injury late in the season derailed his campaign. Recording 78 tackles, a sack, three deflections, a fumble recovery, and three interceptions, he was all over the field.
The knee injury derailed what was otherwise a fantastic season for Smith, one that he looks to improve upon. At the time of the injury, he led the team in tackles and interceptions. This marked the first time since records were first kept in 1954 that this feat was accomplished.
There is little doubt that these two will be players to watch for in the fall as they look to build upon the success of last year.