In recent weeks, Trojans eligible for the NFL Draft have decided whether they will return to South Central for another season or leave for the NFL. Before the declaration deadline on Jan. 18, six Trojans declared for the draft, joining defensive lineman Jay Tufele, who opted out of the 2020 season to prepare for the draft.

Olaijah Griffin, cornerback

Olaijah Griffin’s declaration came as a surprise to many after shoulder and back injuries during his first two seasons that limited his playing time. In 2020, Griffin played his first full season and showed a great deal of improvement, even gaining his first career interception in the game against Washington State. Griffin is a raw but appealing prospect to many teams in the late rounds of the draft because of his impressive speed and athleticism.

Talanoa Hufanga, safety

As USC’s lone All-American from the 2020 season and the reigning Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, Talanoa Hufanga made a name for himself on the national stage. Hufanga’s junior season showed his wide assortment of abilities as he tallied three sacks, two forced fumbles and four interceptions. Due to the team’s plethora of injuries at the linebacker position, Hufanga occasionally lined up as a linebacker to add some depth to the position. This rotation between linebacker and safety is attractive to many NFL teams since Hufanga has shown that he can fill either of the two positions, depending on where his talents are needed.

Amon-Ra St. Brown, wide receiver

At no surprise, Amon-Ra St. Brown declared for the NFL Draft at the end of his junior season. The former five-star recruit had a stellar career at USC, finishing eleventh on the program’s career receptions list and putting together a stunning 2020 season that ended with 41 receptions for 478 yards. After going the first three games of the 2020 season without a touchdown reception, St. Brown caught seven touchdown passes in the season’s final three games, including a quarter with four touchdown catches against Washington State. St. Brown’s best attributes are his technique at the line of scrimmage and his ability to make contested catches. Both of these traits are highly regarded by NFL scouts which gives St. Brown the potential to be drafted early in the second round.

Marlon Tuipulotu, defensive lineman

Marlon Tuipulotu came back for his fourth season with the Trojans and enhanced his draft stock after another impressive season. Tuipulotu showed an ability to dominate opposing offensive lines with his 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and one forced fumble. Tuipulotu’s mobility is what will set him apart in a deep class for defensive linemen. USC will need to find another player to replace Tuipulotu at nose guard, but the 2021 class’ No. 1 recruit Korey Foreman will help to restrengthen the defensive line next season.

Tyler Vaughns, wide receiver

Of the group leaving for the NFL, Vaughns has the most college seasons under his belt. Over the course of his career, Vaughns caught 222 passes for 2,801 yards and 20 touchdowns. Vaughns is third on USC’s career receptions list, putting him behind only USC greats Marqise Lee and Robert Woods. Vaughns’ sure hands and quickness are traits that many NFL teams will find difficult to pass up if given the opportunity to draft Vaughns in the late rounds. He will need to tighten up his route running, but Vaughns will be a great addition for any team looking to add receiver depth.

Alijah Vera-Tucker, offensive guard

Alijah Vera-Tucker is the most recent star USC offensive lineman leaving for the NFL Draft. In the last NFL Draft, USC standout offensive tackle Austin Jackson was selected with the 18th pick by the Miami Dolphins. In many ways, Vera-Tucker is an even more complete player than Jackson despite being less athletic. Vera-Tucker has excellent hand placement and awareness that will certainly set him apart from the average offensive lineman in the 2021 NFL Draft class. Vera-Tucker will need to improve his strength to hold his own against the NFL’s best defensive linemen, but any team with a need for an offensive guard should be more than happy to spend a late first or early second-round pick on Vera-Tucker.