USC football countdown to kickoff continues—Melvin Jackson in focus
Position: Offensive line
Years played at USC: 1972-1975
Career highlights: A 2019 story from Reign of Troy detailed Jackson's legacy in Cardinal and Gold.
"Jackson was listed as a linebacker on the roster in 1973, then wearing the No. 54, but he swapped it for the No. 65 in 1974 taking up a place on the offensive line," writer Alicia de Artola wrote.
"Originally training as an offensive guard, he stepped in at offensive tackle briefly during the 1974 season because of injury. His involvement wasn't great, but he was around to earn a national title ring with the Trojans.
"The next season Jackson moved into the starting lineup permanently opposite All-American Marvin Powell. Despite the clear talent on the other side, USC's coaches voted Jackson the winner of the John Dye Memorial Award as the team's lineman of the year.
"He certainly played a key role in the Trojans victory over Notre Dame in 1975. With the Irish leading 17-14, running back Ricky Bell had powered his offense to one-yard line. However, on a goal line carry, the ball popped out of his hands and into the air.
"'When I fumbled, I told myself that I threw the ball game away,' Bell said in the Gannet News Service.
"The game wasn't lost because Jackson was there to recover the ball on the two-yard line. That set up quarterback Vince Evan's game winning score."
After USC: The Green Bay Packers selected Jackson in the 12th round of the 1976 NFL Draft. He would go on to play five seasons with the team.
Jackson is the grandfather of former USC and current Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Austin Jackson.
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