*Austin Jackson, Southern California Football News: Draft Scout Player News

04/19/20 - OT *Austin Jackson, Jr/2020, Southern California

Ever since he can remember, Austin Jackson dreamed of draft day. Sitting in the green room, waiting for the phone to ring. Hearing the commissioner call his name. Striding to the podium in a sharp, new suit. Donning a hat from his new team. But in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, no part of this week's NFL draft will play out as the former USC left tackle once planned. When his name is called, Jackson will be at home with his family in Arizona. He'll wait in a virtual green room, with other potential first-round prospects, all of whom were sent kits of cameras, speakers and microphones to help them broadcast from home. Jackson has no idea what to expect from there. In a draft flush with offensive tackle prospects, most teams have told him they expect he'll be selected late in the first round. Others in that range have suggested he won't be around when they pick. "It's totally up in the air," Jackson said in a phone interview Friday. "I just plan on hopefully getting that call."

That lingering uncertainty may be the only familiar aspect of this draft for the prospects involved. Without any of the usual pre-draft process to shore up their stock, save for the scouting combine in February, it's unclear how and where NFL teams will place faith in their evaluations. For Jackson, it's an especially pertinent question. The 6-foot-6, 310-pounder, who declared for the draft after his junior season, is somewhat of a polarizing prospect among scouts and prognosticators. He's been characterized by some as an unfinished product, raw in his technique, but oozing with athleticism and high-end potential. To combat those concerns, Jackson spent much of the past few months perfecting his technique. But with no pro day at USC or in-person meetings, all he can do is assure teams over the phone or on FaceTime. - Los Angeles Times

Jr/2020