3 USC Trojans Defenders Receive NFL Combine Invitations

Credit: Jessica Alcheh-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL announced the invitees to their Scouting Combine that will kick off at the end of February. USC football has two former defensive players who will put their skills on display for all 32 NFL teams in the run-up to the 2024 NFL draft, April 25-27.

LAFB Network will be on site for the NFL Combine.

USC Trojans Defenders Heading To Indianapolis

Calen Bullock, Safety

There weren’t many bright spots for the USC defense last season, but Calen Bullock was one of them. His size (6’3″, 195) along with his ball-tracking skills set him apart in a deep cornerback draft. He will likely go in the second round of the draft.

At the combine watch his explosive drills, 10-yard split, broad and vertical jumps.

NCAA Football: Utah at Southern California
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY SportsCredit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Christian Roland-Wallace, Cornerback

Christian Roland-Wallace had a good year with the USC Trojans. The 6’0″, 200 lbs cornerback finished his 5th season with two interceptions, 37 tackles, and nine pass breakups (three vs. Notre Dame). He also managed the 20th-lowest NFL passer rating

He earned a trip to the Shrine Bowl but could not practice or play in the game. The NFL Combine is his last chance to make a big impression on scouts. His current projection is to go undrafted.

NCAA Football: UCLA at Southern California
Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY SportsCredit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

Solomon Byrd, Edge

Standing 6’3″, and weighing 250 lbs, Solomon Byrd had a productive two years as a USC Trojan after transferring from Wyoming after the 2021 season. From 2022 to 2023, Byrd recorded 77 total tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, ten sacks, two passes defended, four fumble recoveries, and five forced fumbles. 

Byrd joined Roland-Wallace and Tahj Washington at the East-West Shrine Bowl. He recorded a sack in the game, although it was negated by an illegal contact penalty in the secondary.

Byrd will likely be an undrafted free agent, so anything he can show in the NFL Combine will help him stand out.

NFL: Combine
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY SportsCredit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports