Griffen runs away with accolades at USC pro day
By MICHAEL LEV
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTERStory Highlights
Defensive end Everson Griffen probably solidified his first-round status with a superb workout at USC's pro day.)
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Article Photos Videos LOS ANGELES – Taylor Mays and Stafon Johnson were the headliners, but Everson Griffen stole the show at USC's pro day workout Wednesday. Click here to view video of pro day.
Griffen, a defensive end who declared for the 2010 NFL draft after his junior year, ran the 40-yard dash in 4.59 seconds at 268 pounds.
Everson Griffen gives it his all while running the 40 yard dash at the USC Pro Day Wednesday on campus at USC.
MICHAEL GOULDING, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
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He participated in drills for defensive ends and outside linebackers and did "everything" well, according to one scout.
Griffen wanted to prove he's a hard worker amid concerns about his work ethic and maturity.
"It all started with coach Jethro (Franklin) coming in," Griffen said, referring to USC's defensive line coach last season.
"He taught me more than playing football. He taught me off the field. Everything works together.
"You've got to do right off the field to do right on the field.
"That's what I tried to do this past year."
Griffen is projected as a late first-round pick.
So is Mays, who elected not to run the 40.
Instead, the swift safety focused on position-specific skills such as turning and backpedaling.
Many in the scouting community have questioned whether he has the agility and ball skills to excel in the pros.
"That's the stuff I wanted to show," Mays said.
"These DB drills were the most important thing for me."
Johnson continued to show he's fully recovered from a career-threatening throat injury suffered in late September.
The tailback might never get his full voice back, but he's OK with that for now.
"I'm not a quarterback, thank God," Johnson said jokingly. "So everything is good."
NOTES
Cornerback Kevin Thomas' 4.43 clocking in the 40 was the best of the day. ...
Tackle Charles Brown, a projected first- or second-round pick, pulled up at the end of his second 40 because of an injured left hamstring. ...
Carolina Panthers coach John Fox was among those in attendance. ...
Several current USC players watched all or part of pro day, including sophomore quarterback Matt Barkley.
He and his teammates resume practice today.
