Austin Jackson is a Miami Dolphin

In an overwhelmingly emotional moment for all USC Trojans fans, we got to relive the terrific story that is Austin Jackson on the national stage.

As if we didn’t already love and adore our very own, Jackson’s story of taking time off to donate a perfectly-matched bone marrow to his sister took the 2020 NFL Draft broadcast by storm.

Jackson was selected with the 18th pick of the first round by the Miami Dolphins after they made headlines by selecting Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa with the fifth pick just an hour earlier.

From my writeup over on SBNation.com:

Pick 18: Miami Dolphins select Austin Jackson, OT, USC

He’s young and ideally coachable as he’s likely a long shot to start right away. Still, he’s only 20 years old and stands at 6’5, 310 pounds with two seasons of starting experience at left tackle for the Trojans under his belt. He may not be a starter-level tackle right now but he certainly has the ability to get there quickly.

He can move extremely well for a man his size and has great athleticism across the board. This is likely a reach at this pick but immediately fills a spot of need for the Dolphins.

He had an impressive combine and was rumored to be one of potentially seven offensive tackles that could be off the board in the first round and yet he became the fifth tackle off the board following Andrew Thomas, Jedrick Wills, Mekhi Becton and Tristan Wirfs.

Jackson also saw the night finish as the second of just three Pac-12 players who were drafted in the first round.

The Dolphins offensive line was a mess a season ago and in all likelihood, Jackson pencils in as a near immediate starter in Miami.

We’re proud to call you a Trojan, Austin. Always remember to #FightOn and #FinsUp!