Robert Woods almost went to Cal over USC because of DeSean Jackson

DeSean Jackson was the Los Angeles Rams’ only outside signing in free agency this offseason, landing back with Sean McVay on a one-year, $4.5 million deal. He immediately becomes the Rams’ deep threat at wide receiver, joining a group that features Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp and Van Jefferson.

Jackson has already said he wants to share some of his knowledge with Woods and Kupp, who he called “two of the best doing it,” and they’ll certainly be receptive to the veteran’s tips. Woods, in particular, has looked up to Jackson since he was younger and nearly went to Cal over USC because he wanted to be like the speedy receiver.

“Being from California, being from L.A., I’ve been watching DeSean Jackson since Long Beach Poly, Cal Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, [Washington Football Team],” Woods said on “Good Morning Football” Thursday, via NFL.com. “Been a huge fan of his game, always watched him. Almost went to Cal ’cause I wanted to be like him so much, imitate his game. But really, he’s one of the best to do it, and you look at his stats consistently throughout his years — he’s one of the best deep receivers the game has ever seen. And I think that’s what we’re most excited for him to bring to our offense is his speed, his downfield ability just opening things up. And what we have in our offense with our screen games, getting the ball in his hands quick, it’s really dangerous for our offense to have so many weapons to go along with me and Cooper. Just the speed and all the threats on the field partnering with Matthew Stafford, this offense is going to be very, very dangerous.”

Woods said the Rams’ offense “is looking loaded once again” following the additions of Jackson and Matthew Stafford, giving them great playmakers at just about every position on that side of the ball.

Jackson should open things up for Woods and Kupp underneath, forcing defenses to respect his speed by drawing safeties over the top. If healthy, Jackson will make the Rams better, giving them a much-needed deep threat on the outside.

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