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5 reasons Adoree’ Jackson can win the 2016 Heisman Trophy

By Nathaniel Reeves

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Nov 7, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver Adoree Jackson (2) carries the ball on a 42-yard reception against the Arizona Wildcats at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. USC defeated Arizona 38-30. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver Adoree Jackson (2) carries the ball on a 42-yard reception against the Arizona Wildcats at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. USC defeated Arizona 38-30. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

He could get more touches in a new offense 

For Jackson to be a legitimate Heisman hopeful, he needs to put up more production on the offensive end, no matter how good his defense and special teams play is. Jackson has the upside to make that happen, but may also be looking at a couple more touches in a new-look offense.

In those 157 plays on offense last year, Jackson totaled 27 receptions for 414 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to seven rushes for 36 total yards. That yardage total was a big increase over Jackson’s freshman year, when he had just 10 catches for 138 yards, although three went for touchdowns.

The Trojans offense may look a little different in 2016, which could be to Jackson’s benefit. While Clay Helton will still have influence after being promoted to head coach, USC will hand the playcalling duties over to wide receivers coach and famed recruiter Tee Martin.

Helton recently caught up with Pete Thamel of Sports Illustrated, saying that could get eight to 10 plays a game offensively, split between being the main target and being a decoy. Last season, Jackson was part of six to eight offensive snaps per game for the most part, and the team may get him those extra snaps by limiting him on punt returners.

The increase may not seem like that much, but Jackson is the type of player who makes the most of each and every opportunity. If Jackson can generate a few more big plays on offense, he’ll solidify his chances to be in the Heisman discussion.

Next: He'll have plenty of opportunities to shine against the best competition

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