USC freshmen get fewer opportunities on offense

REPORTING FROM NEWTON, Mass. —  Adoree’ Jackson showed no signs of being overwhelmed in his first two games for USC.

The freshman made plays as a receiver, cornerback and special teams player in the opener against Fresno State, and he stood out on defense in last week’s victory at Stanford.

Jackson and the No. 9 Trojans arrived here Thursday night for their next test Saturday at Boston College.

“I haven’t even really hit reality yet that I’m playing college football,” Jackson said this week when asked whether he anticipated a point this season where everything would come together for him. “Down the road it’s going to hit me, sooner or later, that this is what I’m here to do.”

At Stanford, Jackson dueled with veteran Cardinal receivers Ty Montgomery, Michael Rector and Devon Cajuste.

He broke up a possible touchdown pass to Rector in the end zone, one of several key defensive plays by the Trojans in their 13-10 victory.

“I wanted to get the interception,” Jackson said, “but at the same time, being the good receiver he was, he bodied me out and walled me off.

“Coaches say just get your hands in there and hit it up or hit it down the best way possible.”

Jackson took part in 52 plays against Fresno State — 13 on offense, 25 on defense and 14 on special teams. He played 36 against Stanford — nine on offense, 23 on defense and four on special teams.

After catching three passes against Fresno State, one for a touchdown, Jackson did not have a reception against Stanford.

He said he was happy to play whatever role the coaches choose.

“I don’t feel frustrated or mad or anything because I’m in the game,” he said, adding, “I trust our quarterback as well to make a great decision. Whether I get the ball or not, I knew it was going to be something good.”

Like Jackson, freshman receiver JuJu Smith experienced a dip in opportunities on offense last week. He caught four passes for 123 yards in the opener, but had one reception for minus-two yards against Stanford.

Before the Trojans departed for the East Coast on Thursday, Coach Steve Sarkisian told reporters that coaches counsel players about their changing roles.

“Whether it’s a freshman who played in the first game and had a really big impact … or it’s a redshirt freshman who’s still trying to figure out what it’s like not to have an integral part,” Sarkisian said, adding, “And everything in between.”

Kicking in

USC dominated Fresno State and converted its only first-quarter possession against Stanford into a touchdown.

So punter Kris Albarado did not make his first kick of the season until the second quarter against the Cardinal.

Albarado’s punt went 55 yards. He finished the game with 47.8-yard average for four kicks.

But Sarkisian is seeking improvement, especially avoiding touchbacks.

“He really had the first-game jitters in Game 2,” Sarkisian said this week. “So I’d like to think he’ll perform better.”

Quick hits

Defensive lineman Leonard Williams, who has been nursing an ankle injury, remains on track to play against Boston College, Sarkisian said Thursday after a practice that was closed to media. “I don’t have any concern that he will play,” Sarkisian said. “It’s just a matter of not having a setback.” … Before the Trojans left on their chartered flight to Boston, backup quarterback Max Browne tweeted, “About to board this flight to Boston... Never forget the events that took place 13 years ago!” Sarkisian said he addressed the events of Sept. 11, 2001, with his players Thursday morning…. Defensive lineman Greg Townsend Jr. remains sidelined and did not make the trip because of chickenpox, Sarkisian said.

Follow Gary Klein on Twitter @latimesklein

Times correspondent Lindsey Thiry contributed to this report.