USC cornerback Adoree’ Jackson is providing a spark on offense too

USC coaches had the entire off-season to explore ways to deploy Adoree’ Jackson on offense. With an open date Saturday, they should consider spending the extra time putting a plan for Jackson into overdrive.

Jackson, a starting cornerback, showed against Arizona State that he is too dynamic on offense to not touch the ball as a receiver, as was the case against Stanford.

The sophomore had 184 all-purpose yards in the Trojans’ 42-14 victory over Arizona State, including 80 on a screen pass that he turned into a touchdown and 45 on a reception that set up a touchdown.

Jackson has seven receptions for 193 yards, an average of 27.6 yards per catch.

“I just feel like I’m the spark,” he said.

Deciding how many offensive touches Jackson can handle remains a challenge for Coach Steve Sarkisian and offensive coordinator Clay Helton, who is calling plays this season.

“I just keep hammering Clay,” Sarkisian said jokingly on USC’s radio show Monday night. “I don’t know why we don’t throw him the ball more. It’s not my job. I don’t call plays anymore. That’s Clay’s job.”

Sarkisian said that when cornerback Kevon Seymour returns from a knee injury it will help Jackson play more on offense.

Jackson scored on the 80-yard play in the first quarter against Arizona State, after catching a six-yard pass on the previous play.

“Once we get it to him once we try to find a little rhythm because he’s in that mode of being on offense,” Sarkisian said after the game.

Jackson, who also returned a punt 45 yards, said he relies on instinct when making plays.

“If you think too much, something bad might happen,” he said. “So you just go out there and play.”

JuJu Smith-Schuster has a team-best 27 catches, six for touchdowns. His 537 yards receiving ranks third nationally. He is sixth in receiving yards per game (134.3 yards) and 18th in receptions per game (6.8).

Steven Mitchell Jr. has 13 receptions, four for touchdowns.

Jackson, who wears jersey No. 2, adds another dimension to the receiver corps.

“The coolest thing for me is when he comes out on the field, everyone on the defense is all, ‘two is in, two is in,’ ” quarterback Cody Kessler said. “Everyone is aware of it on defense and that just speaks volumes on the type of player he is.”

Kessler efficient

Kessler had a pass intercepted for the first time this season, but remained second nationally in passing efficiency after his performance against Arizona State.

Seth Russell of Baylor is ranked first.

Kessler completed 19 of 33 passes for 375 yards and five touchdowns against Arizona State.

Kessler has completed 73% of his passes, 15 for touchdowns, with one interception. He has passed for 1,297 yards, which ranks sixth, and is averaging 14.6 yards per completion, which ranks 15th.

Quick hits

The Trojans resume practice Tuesday. They will practice Wednesday before taking Thursday and Friday off. They return to workouts Saturday in preparation for their Oct. 8 night game against Washington at the Coliseum.

gary.klein@latimes.com

Twitter: @latimesklein

Correspondent Lindsey Thiry contributed to this report.