With The First Pick
Fansided

USC OT Austin Jackson brings impressive athleticism to 2020 NFL Draft

By Cory Kinnan

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 27: Austin Jackson #73 of the USC Trojans blocks A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half of the San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 27, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 27: Austin Jackson #73 of the USC Trojans blocks A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half of the San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 27, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 17: JT Daniels #18 of the USC Trojans reacts with Vavae Malepeai #29 and Austin Jackson #73 after a stop on third down by the UCLA Bruins defense during the first half at Rose Bowl on November 17, 2018 in Pasadena, California. Jackson has declared for the 2020 NFL Draft. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 17: JT Daniels #18 of the USC Trojans reacts with Vavae Malepeai #29 and Austin Jackson #73 after a stop on third down by the UCLA Bruins defense during the first half at Rose Bowl on November 17, 2018 in Pasadena, California. Jackson has declared for the 2020 NFL Draft. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

73

Austin Jackson OT

USC Trojans Football
USC Trojans Football /

Scouting Report

After starting for two years at left tackle for the USC Trojans, the 6-6 and 310 pound athletic lineman Austin Jackson has declared for the 2020 NFL Draft.

While the USC Trojans may be on the way up after hiring a new athletic director and look to be in the good hands of young quarterback Kedon Slovis, they will have to move forward without left tackle Austin Jackson. Per Jackson’s Instagram account, he has decided to forego his senior season and declare for the 2020 NFL Draft.

Jackson has been a three-year contributor and two-year starter at USC, and now takes the leap to the next level. While he is extremely raw with his mechanics and footwork, Jackson brings a world of athleticism to his game that will make him enticing at the professional level. However to say that Jackson is a boom-or-bust prospect is an understatement.

You can see signs of improvements in Jackson’s game as the season went along for the Trojans, but you can also see how outmatched he gets when he goes up against NFL caliber pass rushers such as Utah’s Bradlee Anae and Iowa’s A.J. Epenesa.

Jackson is most known for his acts of kindness off the field, as he donated bone marrow to help out and potentially save his little sister’s life. Jackson calls this event “a godsend” as bone marrow donors have to match in twelve different criteria to be a compatible donor; “I matched all 12” (via LA Times).

Once the NFL Scouting Combine rolls around next month, you will hear much more of Jackson’s name being mentioned as he is expected to test off the charts. However on film, he looks like a late day-two, early day-three prospect. For now, Jackson will work on his game leading up to the 2020 NFL Draft and look to wow us all at the combine.

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