Amid sunny weather and a heat wave, USC’s annual NFL Pro Day returned bright and early to Allyson Felix Field Thursday morning. In one of their last chances to showcase their skills for scouts, 17 Trojans from the past season’s roster participated in the event.
Of the 17 prospects, seven were initially invited to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis — junior wide receivers Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane, redshirt junior safety Kamari Ramsey, senior defensive end Anthony Lucas, redshirt senior safety Bishop Fitzgerald, linebacker Eric Gentry and tight end Lake McRee.
Other Trojans participating were senior receiver Jay Fair, redshirt senior punter Sam Johnson, cornerback DJ Harvey, running back Eli Sanders, cornerback DeCarlos Nicholson, snapper Hank Pepper, offensive lineman J’Onre Reed, wide receiver Jaden Richardson, defensive tackle Keeshawn Silver and offensive lineman DJ Wingfield.
Former Trojan linebacker Mason Cobb was also present at the event. Sanders, who suffered a knee injury in USC’s win over Michigan last season, only participated in the bench press.
Notably, all eyes were on Lemon to see if he would run the 40-yard dash, an event he chose to opt out of during the Combine. Lemon, a projected first-round selection, had a standout time of 4.46 seconds — a time that bodes well considering Lemon’s height, build and skill, according to analysts. He also showcased his route running ability again, along with his reception skills, expressing comfortability with his performance on campus.
“This [is] home turf, so [I’m] most comfortable out here,” Lemon said. “[I] just wanted to come out here and showcase my ability and what I can do on the field. Whatever I showcase, let them know I can do it at a high level.”
The 2025 Biletnikoff winner was the Trojans’ leading receiver this season, recording 1,156 yards with 79 catches and 11 touchdowns. Additionally, Lemon was named the 2025 Polynesian Football Player of the Year, tabbed FWAA, Associated Press and Walter Camp All-American First Team selections and earned All-Big Ten first team honors.
Since his appearance at the Combine, Lane has seen a draft stock rise based on his standout performance. Lane boasted a 4.47 time in the 40-yard dash, along with a gauntlet performance that showcased his ability to find passes and make catches outside of being a red-zone target. He is currently projected as a second-round pick after some fluctuation between the second and third rounds.
Lane follows closely behind Lemon as the Trojans’ second leading receiver. He recorded 49 catches for 745 along with four touchdowns. He also earned All-Big Ten third team honors following the end of the season. Lane expressed not only his strategy when showing out for scouts, but also the overall feeling of going through the draft process.
“Just taking everything serious and knowing who I am as a football player,” he said. “Although it’s a little nerve-wracking…it’s been nothing but a blessing [to] get coached up by NFL guys and really just embark on the beginning of my journey.”
On the defensive end, Fitzgerald recorded a 4.55 40-yard dash time at the combine and a 6.89 3-cone time at the Pro Day event. A current projected second or third round pick, Fitzgerald emerged as a defensive weapon for the Trojans, leading USC with five interceptions and finishing third in the Big Ten behind Minnesota’s John Nestor and Indiana’s Louis Moore. His performance this season was good for All-Big Ten first team honors.
“Just being in the right place at the right time, that’s something I pride myself in,” he said in regards to his knack for interceptions. “Being where I’m supposed to be, that’s what the DC wants, so that’s what I try to do.”
Out of some of the Trojans showcasing for scouts for the first time, Richardson had a standout performance. He posted a 4.52 40 while also participating in receiving drills, showcasing his route running and catching ability.
“Just coming out here and taking advantage of the opportunity and showing what I can do,” he said when asked about his goals for the day. “It’s just great being out with my brothers again one more time and enjoying the moment.”
While he only had one touchdown on the year, Richardson had a breakout performance at the end of the season, catching a one-handed pass to bring the Trojans up at the end of the third quarter in USC’s matchup against TCU in the Alamo Bowl.
The event was also attended by current figures in the league, including Heisman Trophy winner and Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and Rams general manager Les Snead. Snead’s presence drew attention considering Lemon is rumored to be a compelling prospect for the Rams, who hold this year’s 13th pick.
This year’s group of Trojan prospects have the opportunity to add to USC’s all-time pool of 533 NFL draft picks, ranking second in the nation. The draft is set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.