NFL Combine 2016 Recap: USC FB Soma Vainuku

Soma Vainuku made headlines with his new haircut, but the USC fullback also put in a solid performance at the 2016 NFL Combine.

USC fullback Soma Vainuku took the prize for most interesting look at the NFL Combine in addition to standing out on the bench press Friday morning.

Results

Measurements: 5’11” | 246 lbs | 32 3/4 arms | 9 1/2 handsBench: 26 reps40-yard dash: 4.68Vertical jump: 32″Broad jump: 108″

Vainuku measured in smaller than listed by USC at 5-foot-11, 246 pounds though his arm and hand measurements were right in line with NFL averages for fullbacks.

His 26 reps in the bench press were third among all backs tested, giving teams a nice indication of his upper body strength and endurance. Vainuku’s 40-yard dash time was also second best among fullbacks.

However, his vertical jump was the lowest of the fullbacks, albeit better than three running backs, and his broad jump was the worst of the group.

Vainuku chose not to participate in field drills, so questions about his ability to catch the ball remain unanswered.

Social Media Highlights

Conclusion

If Vainuku is drafted it’ll likely be on the merits of his work as a special teams player. Having said that, a solid showing at the Combine was still important as his value at the fullback position could prove to be the difference between a late round pick and falling into the free agent pool.

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Vainuku made sure he stood out thanks to the new haircut he sported, which can only be a positive. There seemed to be no red flags when it comes to his measurements, which remain well within the range scouts look for from a pro level fullback.

As a fullback, it wouldn’t be expected for him to outshine others in vertical or broad jump, so those numbers are not detrimental to the player either. Meanwhile, his bench press numbers were a good showing.

Like most of his fellow Trojans, Vainuku’s biggest tests will come at USC’s Pro Day when he will be expected to run through the full bevy of drills to prove he is capable of operating on the NFL level.