So, a couple notes during this slow news period of the year for USC football:
- Clay Matthews stock has significantly risen thanks to the combine, where he posted great numbers, placing in the top five of most workouts, especially in speed/agility drills. Some analysts now have him going above Brian Cushing in the draft.
- Meanwhile, Rey Maualuga’s stock has dropped due to a hamstring injury suffered at the beginning of the combine. He must perform well during pro day or he may drop even lower in the first round. However, he will stay in the first round no matter what. It would be a complete shock to see Rey go in the second round.
- Placekicker David Buehler rocked the Bench press portion of the combine (25 reps), out lifting most of the offensive linemen at the workout. Not very pertinent, but a fun fact.
- Lastly, USC Alum Matt Cassel is primed to be the starter at Kansas City now that he has been traded from the Patriots. Along with Carson Palmer, and perhaps Mark Sanchez and Matt Leinart, could be one of anywhere from 2-4 NFL starters hailing from SoCal.
- Analysts expect the Patriots to fill the USC gap left by Cassel with a linebacker. Todd McShay and Mel Kiper have wavered between who they think the Pats will get (Cushing or Matthews), but both of them have New England taking a USC LB. Of course, the Patriots have never drafted as predicted, so we will see.