NFL Combine 2016 Recap: USC C Max Tuerk

USC center Max Tuerk continues to recover from a knee injury, but was still able to ease some concerns at the 2016 NFL Combine by measuring in with added bulk.

The NFL Combine in Indianapolis saw limited participation from Max Tuerk, who remains limited by the torn ACL he suffered during his senior season at USC. Still, there were other ways for Tuerk to improve his draft stock.

Results

Measurements: 6’5″ | 298 lbs | 32 1/2″ arms | 10 3/4″ handsBench: 22 reps

Since his injury kept him from taking part in on the field workouts, Tuerk’s appearance at the Combine was all about measurements, medicals and interviews.

At USC the offensive lineman was listed at 6-foot-6, 285 pounds, which is both tall and small for a center. Measuring in with added bulk at 6-foot-5, 298 pounds in Indianapolis will certainly help Tuerk’s case.

Arm length of 32 1/2 inches is considered short for his frame, but on the interior that matters less than at tackle.

Tuerk’s 22 reps on the bench were ten better than the worst posting of the day but 12 worse than the best, putting him right in average range.

Interviews:

During interviews, Tuerk told Gary Klein of the LA Times that being in Indianapolis was a dream come true.

“I’ve been dreaming about this since I was a kid,” Tuerk said. “It’s awesome to be here.”

He also noted that his ability to play multiple positions could help him in evaluations.

“It was absolutely a positive. It shows that I’m versatile and able to play anywhere on the line.”

Social Media Highlights

Even though Tuerk was unable to participate in on the field combine drills, there was still some activity regarding the center on social media.

Conclusion

More from Reign of Troy

• Markese Stepp enters transfer portal intending to leave USC football
• USC football’s Alijah Vera-Tucker declares for NFL Draft
• USC football adds Xavion Alford as transfer from Texas
• USC Podcast: RoT Radio Ep. 396 on the Football Season’s Fallout
• Talanoa Hufanga named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, USC football with five first-teamers

Questions about Tuerk’s medical testing won’t be answered until draft day, but at least there were no major red flags in other testing of the Trojan center.

Outside of the knee injury, Tuerk’s size was the greatest concern.

On the scale he eased some of that concern by weighing in closer to 300 pounds.

Now the wait is on to see if USC’s versatile lineman can prove that the added weight won’t impact his exceptional athleticism at his Pro Day in March.