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USC freshman Adoree’ Jackson flips into end zone on kickoff return

USC receiver Adoree' Jackson beats Nebraska defenders on a 71-yard pass play in the second half of the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 27.
(Lenny Ignelzi / Associated Press)
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USC freshman Adoree’ Jackson wears No. 2, but he brought back the flair of No. 5 when he flipped into the end zone against Nebraska on Saturday in the Holiday Bowl.

“It was reminiscent of another guy I’ve seen wearing our uniform before,” said Coach Steve Sarkisian, referring to former Trojans tailback Reggie Bush.

In the first quarter, Jackson fielded a kickoff and then jetted 98 yards for a touchdown.

Jackson said he flipped into the end zone for his father. “My dad told me to do something for him because he couldn’t be here,” he said.

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Jackson discussed the move with Sarkisian before he made it. “He just told me to be smart about it,” said Jackson, who drew an unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty.

“[Sarkisian] said if I ever get one of those penalties to just try to go out there and score another touchdown and get a stop,” Jackson said.

Jackson, a two-way player, gave up an 18-yard touchdown to Kenny Bell on the Cornhuskers’ ensuing possession, but scored on a 71-yard catch and run in the third quarter.

Sarkisian said he did not “condone” Jackson’s penalty, “but we’ve got players that love playing the game.”

Questions about USC? Email me at LNThiry@gmail.com or tweet @LindseyThiry and I will respond to select messages in a weekly USC Now mailbag.

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