USC's Drake Jackson Will 'Fight Through' Ankle Injury To Play Vs. ASU
USC might have its two best defensive players back this weekend. It will definitely have one.
Freshman defensive end Drake Jackson, who's missed the past two games with a high-ankle sprain, said he'll play Saturday at Arizona State.
"Oh yeah, for sure," Jackson said after Wednesday's practice. "I cannot miss another game."
Jackson added that he would be healthy enough to play "all the snaps, just like normal." USC's co-leader in sacks and leader in tackles for loss returned to the practice field for the first time Tuesday. He acknowledged that he's still feeling some discomfort in the ankle.
"It feels well," he said. "Little (kinks) here and there, but nothing I can't fight through."
Jackson went down in the third quarter of USC's win over Arizona on Oct. 19 when his leg appeared to get caught in the ground as he was being pulled back during a pass rush. He deemed it a "freak accident" given that he was double taped. Whatever the case, it was evident why defensive line coach Chad Kauha'aha'a said the return of his best pass rusher elevated the spirits of the entire defense.
"I feel wonderful," Jackson proclaimed. "It feels good to be back, and just to play again, to be on the field and moving around. ... Being away from the team is kinda weird, not playing, watching them on TV, it's not me."
The status isn't quite as clear for safety Talanoa Hufanga. The sophomore standout also returned to practice Tuesday, albeit without pads. He wore shells along with the rest of his team Wednesday and said he tested his shoulder with some hitting.
"It feels good to just be able to run again," Hufanga said. "That's a big improvement. Last week I wasn't even out here."
Hufanga wen down in the second half versus Arizona as well, dislocating his right shoulder, which is the same side as where he twice broke his collarbone in the past year. Chase Williams has been starting in his place the past two games. Hufanga said he'll play Saturday if he's cleared.
"I think anybody would," Hufanga said. "If they're cleared, I think that's their goal, to get back in. ... Right now I'm all in. Wherever the coaches need me, I'm trying to make the most of it. I'm a team-first guy, so at the end of the day I'm just trying to do my part."
FOOTNOTES
Defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu did not practice Wednesday. Kauha'aha'a said he was given a rest day because he's dinged up. He's expected to play against ASU.
Nickelback Max Williams, who was injured his foot in a 1-on-1 drill Tuesday, was sporting a boot. Linebacker Hunter Echols did not practice. Wide receiver Michael Pittman was limited.
-- Adam Maya is a USC graduate and has been covering the Trojans since 2003. Follow him on Twitter @AdamJMaya.
