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USF has found some quality pass-rushing help from JUCOs over the years. Today's player on our countdown might be the next one in line.
#92 DE LaDarrius Jackson
Redshirt Sophomore, 6'4", 243 lbs.
2015 Stats: None. Jackson redshirted while at Hinds Community College, which is why he still has three years of eligibility.
Position on Depth Chart: Jackson is listed as the backup at the left defensive end or "bull" position.
How He Came To USF: LaDarrius played high school football at Parker High School in Birmingham. He was planning to stay local and sign on to UAB's 2014 class until things went awry. Jackson ended up at Hinds Community College in Raymond, Mississippi for two years. By then he had offers from a number of schools and seemed intent on going to Miami if Al Golden stuck around, but in the end Jackson went with the Bulls and enrolled in January.
Although Jackson only had 21 tackles and one sack in his freshman year at Hinds, he did have 70 tackles, 21 TFL, and 18 sacks as a senior at Parker. Here are his highlight reels from Hinds (top) and Parker.
Recruiting Rankings: LaDarrius wasn't rated out of high school, but he turned into a three-star JUCO recruit according to 247, Rivals, and ESPN.
Projected Playing Time: We've said this for just about every defensive lineman so far, but with very few established D-linemen on the roster, the opportunity is there and it's all about who steps up to take it. It probably bodes well for LaDarrius to have made the two-deep before his first fall practice. He should be in for regular playing time this fall at the very least.
Fun Facts: Not only is LaDarrius's defensive end teammate Frank Johnson also enrolled at USF, but their former quarterback James Summers plays for East Carolina. He was under center when the Bulls played in Greenville last year, and has since been converted to running back.
Follow Him On... We don't think any of the LaDarrius Jacksons on Instagram are our #92, and he doesn't seem to be on Twitter either, but you can always follow his cousin Jameis Winston at @Jaboowins.
Look who's at @USFFootball's spring game...@Jaboowins. Supporting his cousin DE LaDarrius Jackson. #USF pic.twitter.com/Ekb3HWbsY4
— JennaLaineBucs (@JennaLaineBucs) April 16, 2016