Michael Jackson III commits to USC
USC continued its impressive march through the 2021 recruiting class on Wednesday, as wide receiver Michael Jackson III (Las Vegas/Desert Pines) announced his commitment to the Trojans.
At 6-foot, 198 pounds, Jackson is a three-star prospect, but a receiver who could have seen his stock rise dramatically if he'd been afforded opportunities to attend camps this spring and summer. Even without them, he held an impressive offer list, eventually narrowing his choices to a final 11--Cal, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Penn State, Tennessee, UCLA, USC and Utah.
Jackson brings a ton of athleticism to the wide receivers position, as he also participates in track and gymnastics. His quick burst and ability to make the first defender miss virtually every time makes him a threat to score from anywhere on the field.
Jackson said the USC coaches have compared him to current Trojan receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, both in his ability on the field as well as how he can be utilized both as an inside or outside receiver. Like St. Brown, Jackson's frame and demeanor with the ball in his hands make him a difficult chore for defensive backs to bring down, even at just six feet tall. Jackson will also mimic St. Brown's dedication in the weight room and the practice field.
Jackson has said that USC's proximity played a big role in him giving serious consideration to the Trojans early in the process. He also said he was very impressed with Graham Harrell's offense in his first year at USC.
Jackson is USC's second wide receiver commitment in this class, joining four-star prospect Quay Davis (Dallas/Skyline). The receivers could be joining a relatively young wide receiver room when they get to USC, as Tyler Vaughns will have exhausted his eligibility and St. Brown could head to the NFL Draft as an early entrant.
Still, that room will be very talented, as Drake London, Kyle Ford, Bru McCoy, Munir McClain and John Jackson III will all be in their third seasons, with Gary Bryant Jr. and Joshua Jackson Jr. in their second.
This commitment continues USC's tremendous spring run on the recruiting trail, as the Trojans have added 10 of their 15 pledges since running back Brandon Campbell (Katy, Texas/Katy) made his announcement in late March. Jackson's commitment also comes just two days after USC landed a commitment from four-star quarterback Miller Moss (Mission Hills, Calif./Alemany) in a big recruiting win.
This won't be the last time USC looks to make an impression in Las Vegas, as well as at Jackson's school, specifically. USC is after Jackson's high school teammate, four-star defensive lineman Tiaoalii Savea in this 2021 class, and defensive tackle Braezhon Ross holds a USC offer as well. And in the 2022 class, USC has already offered a handful of Las Vegas prospects, in Bishop Gorman standouts, linebacker Cyrus Moss, safety Zion Branch, offensive tackle Jake Taylor and cornerback Fabian Ross. USC has also offered Jackson’s 2022 teammate, running back Jovantae Barnes. In the 2023 class, Branch's younger brother, Zachariah Branch, holds an early offer from USC.
Jackson is commitment No. 15 for the Trojans, whose class continues to assert itself as a top-five collection of talent.
USC's 2021 recruiting class:
4-star QB Miller Moss (Mission Hills, Calif./Alemany)
4-star QB Jake Garcia (La Habra, Calif./La Habra)
4-star RB Brandon Campbell (Katy, Texas/Katy)
4-star WR Quay Davis (Dallas/Skyline)
3-star WR Michael Jackson III (Las Vegas, Calif./Desert Pines)
4-star DT Jay Toia (Simi Valley, Calif./Grace Brethren)
3-star DE Colin Mobley (Hyattsville, Md./DeMatha Catholic)
4-star LB Julien Simon (Tacoma, Wash./Lincoln)
4-star LB Ma’a Gaoteote (Bellflower, Calif./St. John Bosco)
4-star S Xamarion Gordon (Downey, Calif./Warren)
4-star ATH Calen Bullock (Pasadena, Calif./Muir)
4-star ATH Anthony Beavers (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne)
3-star OT Mason Murphy (San Juan Capistrano, Calif./JSerra)
3-star OG Maximus Gibbs (Bellflower, Calif./St. John Bosco)
3-star OT Saia Mapakaitolo (Mission Hills, Calif./Alemany)
