USC football round up: Five Trojans invited to 2019 NFL Combine

Five graduating Trojans were invited to the 2019 NFL Combine, a current player received high praise from Daniel Jeremiah and more USC football news.

USC football’s representatives at the 2019 NFL Combine will number five, with Chuma Edoga, Porter Gustin, Iman Marshall, Cameron Smith and Marvell Tell receiving invites to this year’s pro showcase.

Those five, all seniors, were some of USC’s top performers of the season, so it’s no surprise to see them garner NFL attention.

Edoga is one to watch in particular, as he seemed to boost his stock with an impressive Senior Bowl showing. Smith and Marshall also received positive feedback from that opportunity.

TRENDING: USC’s recruiting efforts fall to No. 18

Tell was unable to participate in the Senior Bowl because of the ankle injury which kept him out of USC’s season finale against Notre Dame, but he is expected to be ready for the NFL Combine beginning February 26, per Leigh Steinberg.

It’s not clear if Gustin will be fit to work out for the pro scouts though, still recovering from his season-ending injury.

Even with five invited, a few Trojans could be considered snubs. Left guard Chris Brown, who was one of USC’s most consistent linemen, did not get an invite. Center Toa Lobendahn was also left out along with running back Aca’Cedric Ware.

Those Trojans and others will have to wait for their chance to shine at USC’s Pro Day.

New quality control assistant

USC offensive coordinator Graham Harrell is bringing his “right-hand man” from North Texas along with him to Los Angeles, according to Football Scoop. John David Baker is set to join the Trojans as a quality control assistant.

Baker had the same role with the Mean Green under Harrell.

CHECK OUT: What to expect from Harrell’s Air Raid

High praise for Talanoa Hufanga

NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah had a rave review of Trojan safety Talanoa Hufanga while watching tape of USC in 2018.

“Studying some USC defensive players and I can’t take my eyes off their FR Safety 15 Talanoa Hufanga,” Jeremiah said in a post on Instagram. “That dude is special!!”

Brian Cushing gets S&C gig

USC’s search for a new strength and conditioning coach is still underway, but this week a former Trojan may have taken the first step towards being considered for the job much, much further down the line.

SEE MORE: Ranking the 10 best USC five-stars ever

Former USC standout Brian Cushing is joining the staff for the Houston Texans as an assistant strength and conditioning coach.

Cushing was a Pro Bowler in an eight-year NFL career with the Texans.