Adoree’ Jackson shows daring on punt return decisions

USC’s Adoree’ Jackson showed a flash of his ability to elude and escape tackles during the Trojans’ 59-9 victory over Idaho last Saturday.

Jackson mesmerized the Coliseum crowd during a zigzag across the field on a 30-yard pass reception.

“I was just out there having fun doing what I know,” he said.

Jackson, a starting cornerback, played 47 plays, including six on offense. He caught four passes for 62 yards.

Jackson had only seven yards on three punt returns but he is raising eyebrows with his daring and reluctance to call for a fair catch.

Jackson said he called for a fair catch only once in high school -- and that he regretted the decision when he saw a would-be tackler was 10 yards away from him.

“Ever since then, I’ve always caught the ball because you never know what’s going to happen,” he said. “All you’ve got to do is make the first guy miss. If they get a good hit or whatever, you just have to bounce back up.”

Coach Steve Sarkisian said he has no problem with that mentality.

“The guy has such belief in himself,” Sarkisian said. “He’s not thinking about not getting hurt. He’s thinking about how can he get to the end zone.”