USC cornerback Adoree’ Jackson plays catch up on offense as receiver

Maybe it’s the injury wave that has sidelined multiple USC receivers. Or maybe it’s because he caught one pass against Notre Dame and turned it into an 83-yard touchdown.

Whatever the reason, Adoree’ Jackson has worked almost exclusively at receiver this week as the Trojans prepare to play third-ranked Utah on Saturday at the Coliseum.

Jackson is still expected to play cornerback against the Utes, but as the Trojans begin the second half of the season, it’s clear interim Coach Clay Helton will try to use Jackson more on offense.

“Being on offense is pretty cool,” Jackson said after practice Wednesday. “Just getting to know the playbook a lot more and being in there, I guess, full-time.”

Jackson has caught 11 passes, two for touchdowns, and has averaged 25.4 yards per catch.

Receivers Steven Mitchell Jr. and Darreus Rogers are doubtful for Saturday and Isaac Whitney is out for the season.

So Jackson could have more opportunities.

“It’s always exciting to be out there on offense, possibly getting the ball more, getting more touches and scoring touchdowns, hopefully,” he said.

Jackson will also try to rebound from a shaky defensive performance. The sophomore gave up a touchdown pass to Notre Dame’s Will Fuller on the first play of the Trojans’ 41-31 defeat last week.

“I had my eyes in the backfield and I wasn’t disciplined,” he said.

Jackson also got beat on another play and he was called for pass interference.

“I just have to be disciplined with my eyes and technique,” he said. “That’s what it comes down to, and that’s what I didn’t do on that first play and a couple other plays. That’s all on me.”

Fresh perspective

Helton said he regretted not giving the ball more to freshman tailback Ronald Jones II against Notre Dame.

Jones, the Trojans’ leading rusher this season, broke off a 65-yard run the in the second half.

On Wednesday, Jones did not sound as if he felt short-changed. “I’m actually playing more than I thought I would,” he said. “So I’m really happy with where I’m at.”

Jones has rushed for 380 yards and is averaging nearly nine yards per carry.

With senior Tre Madden nursing a knee injury, Jones has shouldered much of the workload this week during practice.

Helton has said Jones was working to improve his pass-catching and pass-protection skills.

Asked how much experience he had as a pass protector at McKinney North (Texas) High, the 6-foot, 185-pound Jones said, “none.”

“It definitely has been a big adjustment,” he added.

Jones anticipated that blocking at the college level would require adjustments.

“I knew it was going to be a challenge because, obviously, the players are a lot bigger too,” he said. “So when I was blocking linebackers, they were my size. Now they’re 260.”

On the run

Utah’s Devontae Booker is third in the Pac-12 Conference in rushing, averaging 130.5 yards per game.

“The running back runs angry,” USC defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox said.

Helton said Booker reminds him of former NFL running back Roger Craig, citing his leg drive and ability to carry defenders for extra yardage.

“Just a very hard man to bring down,” he said.

Line changes

Junior left tackle Chad Wheeler remains sidelined because of concussive symptoms. Zach Banner worked again at left tackle. Freshman Chuma Edoga is playing right tackle.

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