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USC’s Pro Day like ‘mini-combine’ for players

Bush clocks 4.33 in 40, Leinart impresses NFL scouts, but White overweight

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Ric Francis / AP
Former USC quarterback Matt Leinart stretches on the team's practice field as he prepares to exhibit his talents during pro day for NFL scouts Sunday.
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updated 9:45 p.m. ET April 2, 2006

LOS ANGELES - Matt Leinart rolled to his left, and then back to his right before unleashing a perfectly thrown pass to Reggie Bush, who caught it some 30 yards downfield just inside the right sideline.

Just like it was drawn up, and the fans at Howard Jones Field cheered politely.

Then, it was on to the next play at USC’s Pro Day on Sunday, where 19 former Southern California players worked out for more than 100 NFL representatives including head coaches John Fox of Carolina, Jeff Fisher of Tennessee and Gary Kubiak of Houston.

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Most of the 19 are sure to be drafted later this month, including anywhere from three to six in the first round.

Thus, the large turnout, and those on hand were properly impressed.

“This is like a mini-combine, from an NFL standpoint,” Fox said.

The majority of prospective prospects take part in the NFL Combine at Indianapolis every February, but several schools hold their own Pro Days.

“It’s like a who’s who, and it’s just one university,” said Baltimore Ravens assistant John Fassel, the son of former Giants coach Jim Fassel.

“This is the greatest aggregation of offensive firepower ever assembled on one pro scouting day from one school,” said Leigh Steinberg, who represents Leinart and offensive tackle Winston Justice.

“Its like ‘Star Wars’ with hundreds of recruits and media from across the country,” Steinberg said, adding he hadn’t seen anything like this is his 32 years representing players.

“Pete Carroll has really outdone himself,” Steinberg said of the USC coach. “Pete has put the primacy on USC football on display for the whole nation to see.”

Carroll, who has guided the Trojans to a 48-4 record over the past four seasons, combined junior day, an annual event where several prospective high school recruits tour the campus, with Pro Day.

“This is what we were dreaming it would be — just like this,” he said.

With about 1,000 fans and recruits in the stands at Cromwell Field, the players took part in several drills including the vertical jump, 40-yard dash, standing long jump, weight lifting and different cone drills.

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Then, everyone moved over to Howard Jones Field across the street for more drills.

Bush and Leinart, the last two Heisman Trophy winners who many experts believe will go 1-2 in the draft, were generally satisfied with how they did.

And they were glad the day was over.

“Oh, yeah,” Bush said with a smile. “I’m going to take a vacation.”


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