USC Coach Steve Sarkisian said this spring that the program would continue to attract top recruits by having “young players on your roster that young kids want to emulate and be like.”

Adoree’ Jackson and JuJu Smith seem to be embracing the role.

Local high school players lingered after practice on Saturday to take photos with Jackson.

“It is everything I dreamed of, just being that guy for people to look up to,” Jackson said.


Smith spoke to a gathered group after practice Tuesday.

Jackson and Smith graduated from Gardena Serra High and Long Beach Poly, respectively, and are quickly ascending as two of the most sought-after players in the program by fans and media.

Jackson, a freshman All-American, played cornerback and receiver last season. He deflected 10 passes, caught three touchdown passes and returned two kickoffs for touchdowns. Smith caught 54 passes for 724 yards and five touchdowns.

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