Jackson lands USC offer

Austin Jackson was in a trance of sorts as he read his blocking assignment on the play sheet in front of him at the USC Rising Stars Camp on Wednesday.

Then, suddenly, the four-star offensive tackle from Phoenix (Ariz.) North Canyon was face to face with head coach Steve Sarkisian, who placed his hands on Jackson's shoulders and informed him he had an offer from the Trojans.

"It was really cool," Jackson said. "It happened in the middle of the team period, and coach Sark told me himself that he saw my work throughout the camp and liked it a lot. It's a big offer because I definitely know what they produce on the field, but I'm looking at all my offers. I'm still young, but with their academics, the alumni support and their tradition, they are a great option."

The 6-foot-6, 256-pound lineman, one of the top-rated 2017 prospects in Arizona according to Rivals.com, also liked working with position coach Bob Connelly. His stop at USC was the only planned camp this summer as he focuses on his high school team, but a bevy of others have joined the chase.

Boston College, Oregon and Texas A&M all recently offered, joining a list that already included the likes of Arizona, Arizona State, Auburn, Michigan and Washington, among others.

"Competition wise, the USC camp was really good," Jackson said. "Coach Connelly really knew his stuff and I was just ecstatic when I found out about the offer. I'm going to visit campus Thursday and go on a tour of everything with the coaches, so that should be cool.

"I'm not in a rush to make a decision. I want to take my time and look at all my options. I'm not sure where else I'm headed, but I'm probably going to make it to some games at Arizona, Arizona State and Texas A&M this fall."