USC will send seven players to the NFL scouting combine

Seven players from USC have accepted invitations to attend the NFL scouting combine that begins Feb. 23 in Indianapolis.

Quarterback Cody Kessler, running back Tre Madden, fullback Soma Vainuku, center Max Tuerk, defensive lineman Antwaun Woods, cornerback Kevon Seymour and linebacker Su’a Cravens comprise the Trojans contingent.

Kessler and Vainuku played in the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., last month, while Woods participated in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl in Carson.

Cravens, a two-time All-Pac-12 Conference selection at linebacker, is the Trojans’ lone underclassmen who made himself available for the draft. He made 15 tackles for losses, including 5½ sacks, intercepted two passes and forced two fumbles last season.

Cravens could play safety in the NFL. He started and was named a freshman All-American at the position in 2013, but is listed as an outside linebacker on the combine roster.

Tuerk, who has experience starting at every position on the offensive line, spent most of his senior season sidelined after suffering a knee injury against Washington in October. He reportedly will be limited in drills.

Madden rushed for 452 yards and five touchdowns in 85 carries, but was hobbled in the final few games because of a nagging knee injury.

Seymour made 24 tackles and intercepted a pass.

Nine UCLA players were invited to the combine, the most of any Pac-12 Conference school. Ohio State led all schools with 14 invited players.

The NFL draft begins April 28 in Chicago.

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