Donte Williams challenges Drake Jackson following big performance

Following a two-sack performance against Colorado, USC head coach Donte Williams says he’s come to expect that level of performance out of pass rusher Drake Jackson.

“I expect him to make those plays anytime someone tries to single block him,” Williams said of Jackson on Trojan Live. “They try to single block this dude, he should have two sacks every game and just cause havoc. And if he’s not getting those sacks then they should be doubling or chipping hum. It’s putting other guys like Tuli (Tuipulotu) or Jake (Lichtenstein) or Nick (Figueroa) or Korey (Foreman), it’s putting them 1-on-1. And I’ll take those guys 1 on 1 against anyone. So either Drake’s going to make the play or he’s going to demand a double team.”

It hasn’t been the season that anyone at USC expected, but even through a 3-2 start to the season, Drake Jackson has played at a high level. In five games, the junior has 17 tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble and one interception.

His presence has also opened up opportunities for teammates along the defensive line. Defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu is the third leading tackler on the team with 24 tackles to go with one sack and a forced fumble. Jacob Lichtenstein has two sacks on the season to go along with 13 tackles.

Jackson is living up to his preseason promise. He stated in media availability in August that the 2021 season will be his last at USC and that he plans to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft.

“This is my last year. I got to get out of here,” Jackson told media. “I’mma leave with a bang, too.” 

Last year, Drake Jackson proved to be one of the best pass rushers in college football. After lining up at defensive end as a freshman, Jackson lined up at outside linebacker under defensive coordinator Todd Orlando. He finished with 20 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and an interception and received All-Pac-12 second team and AP All-Pac-12 second-team honors. 

As a freshman, Jackson broke out, finishing with 46 tackles, leading the team in tackles for loss and sacks with 11.5 and 5.5, respectively. 

Drake Jackson isn’t the only individual standout for USC. Wide receiver Drake London is having a terrific season for the USC Trojans, emerging as not just the No. 1 target in USC’s offense but also one of the top receivers in the country.

Through five games, London has tallied 670 receiving yards on 48 receptions, averaging a whopping 14.0 yards per reception, and he’s scored four touchdowns as well.

London and Jackson’s dominance have been bright spots in what has been a tough season for USC, as head coach Clay Helton was fired in his seventh season at the helm after an upset loss to Stanford.