Trojans to be well represented in NFL Combine


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Despite a 9-4 record, USC’s worst mark since 2001, the Trojans anticipate to funnel more than a few players into the National Football League once again. Last season, ‘SC had 11 players taken in the NFL Draft, and in 2010, it hopes to have similar success.

According to a recent list published by the Sporting News, eight USC seniors have been invited to participate in the 2010 NFL Scouting Combine, scheduled for Feb. 24 through March 2 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. (note: underclassmen such as USC’s Everson Griffin, Joe McKnight and Damian Williams, will likely be added later).

The Trojans will certainly be well represented next month in the Hoosier State. OT Charles Brown, C Jeff Byers, RB Stafon Johnson, S Taylor Mays, TE Anthony McCoy, G Alex Parsons, CB Josh Pinkard, and CB Kevin Thomas, are all expected to be in attendance in the hopes of impressing various scouts.

Strong performance in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and other combine drills, will be vital for many of USC’s NFL hopefuls.

Just one year ago, quarterback Mark Sanchez proved testament to the theory of a strong showing in the combine leading to a higher selection on Draft Day. Sanchez, who was regarded as a mid-to late first round selection, was so impressive during the Combine that he forced the New York Jets  to trade up from the 17th spot to the 4th spot in order to guarantee they would be able to select the Orange County product.

Using Sanchez as the model, it would be shrewd for these draft-eligible Trojans to take this opportunity seriously.