Trojans Put On a Show at Pro Day

Before his pro day, Sam Darnold told Clay Helton that he hoped it would rain and even declined an offer to move the date to ensure sunny weather.

Darnold had this to say on the chance to play in the rain,

“I don’t think it would have been fair to change the schedule with all of the other guys training for the pro day. So I just wanted my guys to be comfortable my teammates that was first and foremost.”

”But I also think it was a perfect opportunity to be able to throw in the rain and show these guys I could throw in the rain.”

Darnold wanted to show NFL scouts and coaches that he could deliver rain or shine, and deliver he did.

The potential No. 1 draft pick had a stellar pro day performance making around 60 throws, completing almost all of them.

Darnold showed off his improved footwork dropping back from the pocket, as well as mobility, hip motion, and arm strength.

As the rain drops hammered down the future pro quarterback was dropping dimes into the hands of his trusted receivers.

After every big throw you could hear spectators cheer and a few outbursts of, “yeah Sam!” from Darnold’s father.

Darnold’s performance was one of, if not the best of this year’s quarterback class, and it showed both scouts and fans why NFL analysts are projecting him to go first overall in the draft.

All-American linebacker Uchenna Nwosu also had an impressive pro day.

Nwosu showed off his quickness and mobility in drills that scouts also saw at the NFL Combine.

At the combine Nwosu ran a 4.65 second 40, benched 20 reps of 225 pounds, and jumped 32 inches in the vertical.

Nwosu is projected to be a 3-4 round selection, which will be the ultimate steal if that ends up being the case.

Center Nico Falah who was snubbed from a combine invitation also had himself an impressive day, and seemingly launched himself onto the draft boards of NFL scouts.

Weighing in at 301 pounds, a good 16 pounds heavier than his 285 at the start of the season, Falah ran a 5.13 second 40 and measured a 32 inch vertical.

Safety Chris Hawkins, also snubbed from a combine invite impressed spectators with his speed.

Hawkins ran a 4.60 second 40 and a 6.88 second 3-cone shuttle.

Photo By Dina Colunga

Defensive end and defensive tackle Rasheem Green and Josh Fatu had a solid pro day showcasing their agility and quickness in their drills

Photo By Dina Colunga

Unfortunately, All-American running back Ronald Jones and wide receiver Deontay Burnett are still being hampered by injuries, and there is talk of a second pro day for them to show off their skills once they are healthy.