USC Pro Day 2012 Preview
In between the Scouting Combine and 2012 Draft, the leaders of the league will watch some of the Trojans go through a variety of drills including a 40 yard dash, shuttle drill, and weight lifting.
Let’s break down the Trojan talent that were invited to the combine last month and who will go through Pro Day tomorrow.
OT Matt Kalil: After a stellar performance at the Combine, Kalil secured his top-three status. Kalil had the second fastest 40-yard dash time of any offensive lineman with a 4.99 and also ranked second in agility drills. This past season, the junior was named All-American first team, won the Pac-12 Morris Trophy and named Walter Camp All-America. Assuming quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III are the first two picks, we might be seeing representatives from the Minnesota Vikings, who have the No. 3 pick right now, out on Cromwell.
DE Nick Perry: Another Trojan who excelled at the Combine, Perry looks like he will be a first-round draft pick come April. In Indianapolis, Perry had the third best 40-yard dash time among defensive linemen as well as the best vertical jump. Perry also showed off in the bench press completing 35 reps, so we can expect another repeat performance in the weight lifting tomorrow. With 49 career tackles, Perry is another Trojan that coaches will be fighting for.
RB Marc Tyler: Tyler didn’t have as much luck as his other Trojans at the Combine, posting one of the slowest 40-yard dash times for a running back. Despite his 1,183 career yards and 212 carries, Tyler will have to step up his game tomorrow if he hopes to get drafted.
TE Rhett Ellison: Although we knew him as more of a tight end, Ellison was invited to the Combine as a fullback and worked out with the running backs. Despite posting the slowest 40-time for the running backs, Ellison’s numbers put him in the top ten for tight ends. Ellison has 31 catches for 338 yards and 4 TDs in his career.
LB Chris Galippo: Although Galippo was a top prospect coming out of high school, the line back is going to have to prove himself tomorrow if he wants a chance to play professional football. Looking at his numbers from the Combine, Galippo’s speed was the fifth worst in his position group, although it was nothing compared to the poor numbers of ASU’s Vontaze Burfict. Still, the senior leaves USC with 119 career tackles.
DT DaJohn Harris: Harris, who put up great numbers from the Combine, will have to continue shine tomorrow after an amazing performance by the defensive tackle from Memphis Dontari Poe. However, the Trojan didn’t participate on of the days in Indianapolis due to an injury, but should be fine for tomorrow. The senior had 50 career tackles.
NT Christian Tupou: Tupou will also have to prove himself tomorrow after posting disappointing numbers in Indianapolis. The defensive tackle missed the 2010 season after tearing a ligament in his left knee, which may attribute to the slow numbers. However, with awards like USC’s Courage Award and the John McKay Award, it looks like scouts will be paying more attention to his leadership abilities than his sprints.
Again, these seven Trojans will take to Cromwell tomorrow try to up their stock before the draft on April 26.
