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Drake Jackson describes the moment the San Francisco 49ers called to select him in 2022 NFL Draft

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•05/03/22•

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Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Growing up in Corona, California, Drake Jackson was in San Francisco 49ers territory. Now, the former USC EDGE is getting ready to play for them, and he shared what it was like to get that phone call.

The 49ers drafted Jackson as the No. 61 overall pick in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, meaning he’ll continue his football career close to home. During his introductory media session, he discussed the emotions as he got selected by his hometown team.

“It felt like I walked outside of my body, almost,” Jackson said. “I couldn’t believe it. My whole life was dedicated to this moment. Everything’s been ball. I’ve never done anything else. It’s always been ball. I’ve always done the things that I needed to do to get to this place. Still, at that point, you never really know if you’re able to go. Man, it’s still like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I just can’t believe it, man. It’s wild. I’m still baffled by it. I’m blessed.”

Jackson was a starter at USC during his three years with the Trojans and was the second Trojans player to get drafted this year, joining Drake London. In 2021 for USC, Jackson had 37 tackles, eight tackles for loss and five sacks as a junior.

Drake Jackson is looking forward to reuniting with former USC teammate on San Francisco 49ers

When Jackson arrives in San Francisco, he’ll see a familiar face.

A fellow Trojan is already on the San Francisco roster in Talanoa Hufanga. Although they played different positions while is Los Angeles, Jackson said the two had a solid relationship in college. Jackson called Hufanga “a dog” and has modeled his worth ethic after the defensive back.

“I mean, back on the 30 visit and I actually saw him,” Jackson said. “We were able to chop it up. Before I came in, Talanoa was one of the top guys at my school. He really was one of those guys to look up to. He got one of the gold plaques on our walk of fame. Just one of those guys that have those work ethics you just look at and you’re like ‘man, I got to get like that.’ As a freshman, I would say I looked up to him for sure because he was a dog. And I wanted to be a dog. I was willing to do whatever it took to be that.”