Allyson Felix Field was covered in rain Wednesday morning, but that did not stop scouts and Trojan draft prospects from coming together for USC’s pro day. Of the 15 potential draft picks, only running back Woody Marks, cornerback Jaylin Smith and center Jonah Monheim were invited to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Marks, a transfer from Mississippi State, was vital to USC’s offense last season as the redshirt senior running back rushed for 1,133 yards and scored nine rushing touchdowns. Marks also caught 47 passes for 321 yards. On Wednesday, Marks only participated in the 40-yard dash, but improved his time from a 4.54 during the combine to a 4.52.
“I think I showcased that I’m a versatile back who can run inside and outside,” Marks said. “I’m someone who’s a team guy who looks after people and I think I showcased that at the Senior Bowl and combine.”
Monheim, who played a great part in Marks’ production as a runner this year, did not participate in any drills at the combine, but partook in offensive line drills at USC’s pro day. Monheim enters the draft with a decorated collegiate resume as he played in 52 games for the Trojans and was awarded both All-Pac-12 and All-Big Ten team selections.
“It was good to get out here and compete and see all the guys,” Monheim said. “I’m fortunate to be around other great guys going through this process, along with coaches and other mentors who have been helping me.”
Along with Marks and Monheim, Smith was also a critical piece for the Trojans last year, but on the defensive side of the ball. In 2024, Smith finished his senior season with 58 total tackles, two pass breakups and two interceptions. Another noteworthy achievement for Smith as a Trojan was taking home defensive MVP honors of the Holiday Bowl in 2023 against Louisville.
At the combine, Smith turned heads with his 40-yard dash time of 4.45 seconds. The defensive back did not participate in the 40-yard dash on Wednesday, but did put up 15 reps during the bench press drill.
“I just want to get drafted, that’s the main thing in this process,” Smith said. “It’s a dream and honor to go through this process so now I just want to sit back and see what’s next.”
Redshirt senior wide receiver Kyle Ford spent five seasons at USC — broken up after he spent one year at UCLA before coming back — and although he did not receive an invite to the combine, he participated in nearly all of the drills on Wednesday. The weather conditions were not ideal, but Ford appreciated the chance to show NFL scouts that he can put his best performance forward no matter what obstacles might be in his path.
“I honestly think doing it in the rain is better,” Ford said. “It shows more and if I can do that today, it shows that I can do it whenever.”
This year’s NFL Draft is set to take place in Green Bay, Wisconsin on April 24 through April 26. This crop of Trojans will look to add to the tally of USC’s NFL Draft history, with teams selecting 509 former Trojans across the draft’s history.