2. Austin Jackson, 5-star OT (Phoenix, Ariz.)
It seems like the list of blue chip recruits still considering the USC Trojans goes on and on, and four-star offensive tackle Austin Jackson is one of them. Reigning from Phoenix, Ariz., the big target is also considering hometown program Arizona State as well as fellow Pac-12 foe Washington.
The Trojans look to be the overwhelming leader to land the tackle from Phoenix as he saw himself playing in the Pac-12 all along. He took four recent official visits — all before January — to Oregon, Washington, USC and then Arizona State. While the Sun Devils have the upper-hand in terms of proximity to home, USC has the momentum.
No team in college football was hotter to end the year than the Trojans, finishing off the 2016 season with nine straight wins and a Rose Bowl victory over Penn State. That alone may have helped sway Jackson to Southern Cal.
While his decision has not yet been made public, the word on the street is that USC is the team to beat and if he picked Washington or Arizona State on National Signing Day, it would shock all three programs involved.
Jackson is ranked the No. 21 overall recruit in the class and the No. 5 tackle. He could end up being the top offensive lineman commit under Helton thus far.