If you spent enough time around Drake Jackson during his USC career, his appearance as he prepared for the NFL draft was startling at first. Shoulders broader. Arms thicker. Face fuller.

Weight has been a recurring part of Jackson’s narrative since the defensive end first arrived at USC from Corona Centennial in 2019. As a freshman when he broke out onto the scene with a team-high 5.5 sacks, he weighed 275.

But ahead of the 2020 season, he dropped 20 pounds to play the hybrid outside linebacker role that new coordinator Todd Orlando envisioned for him. A COVID-19 case ahead of the 2021 season dropped Jackson down another five pounds.

But as he’s prepared for the draft, Jackson has added weight again, going all the way back up to 273 while trying to prove to teams how well he can move at this higher number.

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