USC football: How did the Trojans fare at the NFL Combine in 2019?

Porter Gustin

Height: 6’4” Weight: 255 Arms: 33” 40-yard dash: 4.69s Bench Press: 31 Vertical: 35.5″ Broad Jump: 119.0″ 3-Cone Drill: N/A

When you look back at the impact players for the 2018 Trojans, Porter Gustin ranks near the top of the list. Any time his flowing mane was sidelined, the USC pass rush was rendered futile. Known as a workout warrior and an effort player, Gustin needed to display athleticism for those in attendance of the combine to be considered a viable option at the edge rusher position in the NFL.

The Elk Ridge, Utah product dazzled in the bench press, putting up 31 reps to tie Notre Dame’s Drue Tranquill for the most reps in the linebacker group. Yet, Gustin’s other numbers did little to assuage fears that he may not possess the natural athletic ability to be an explosive pass-rusher at the next level.

However, the injury history that marred his time at USC was likely the aspect of his evaluation that was considered paramount. He went into the combine with the injury-prone label, and teams will have to decide whether those injuries were the results of unfortunate circumstances or something deeper.

Overall, Gustin’s desire and work-ethic will present him with an opportunity to win a roster spot in the NFL, but he will have to maintain his level of intensity for the rest of his career to have success.