The Graduates

To earn a degree from USC, recently ranked the No. 21 university in the nation, is difficult for any student. To earn a degree as a member of the USC football program is even harder.

That's why USC's coaching staff decided to recognize the five members of the team who have completed their undergraduate studies with a special patch on their jerseys this season.

Wide receiver Steven Mitchell Jr., offensive lineman Jordan Austin, safety Chris Hawkins, defensive lineman Malik Dorton and tailback Corbin Jountti were all surprised when they arrived at their lockers for Game 2 this year to see the word "GRADUATE" sewn just underneath the Nike swoosh on their jerseys.

"It just shows the hard work and school is really paying off," said Hawkins, who has a bachelor's degree in policy, planning and development and is now pursuing a minor in occupational therapy. "And when you go out there on the field, everybody knows that you're a guy that has a degree.

Though USC has produced more NFL Draft selections than any other college, Dorton acknowledged that it's still important to have a degree and make plans for life after football.

"I think [USC does] a good job of putting it in our ear that football is going to come to an end, so they set us up with connections at different events," said Dorton, who earned his bachelor's in communication in 3.5 years and is now pursuing a master's in communication management. "And just in the classroom, you meet a lot of people who can set you up for good things in the future."

Mitchell, who also has his bachelor's in communication and is pursuing a master's in communication management, has taken advantage of many opportunities to build skills off the football field. This summer, he interned with a company called JR286, helping design football equipment and accessories that his teammates have worn during games this season.

Austin is pursuing a master's degree in studies in law after getting a bachelor's in international relations. Jountti, meanwhile, earned a psychology degree at Northern Arizona before graduate transferring to USC to pursue a master's in social work.

Players Mentioned

Jordan Austin

Malik Dorton

Chris Hawkins

Corbin Jountti

Steven Mitchell Jr.

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