USC wide receiver Deontay Burnett was at his school’s pro day but he did not participate in drills. He cited a hamstring injury as the reason for being a spectator. Burnett injured his hamstring in a pre-combine workout on January 29th and says he’s about 80% at this point. He is going to give it a few more weeks and then “give it a go.”
Burnett reports he has a private workout scheduled for April 12th that will be recorded and sent to all teams to make up for missing USC’s pro day. He hopes to “do everything” including running the 40 yard dash. Burnett still felt it was very important to be present at USC’s pro day to support his brothers in arms. It’s something he learned from his head coach Clay Helton, that they must stick together. Burnett has also spoken about the importance of character when it comes to the next step in his football career and he feels this is a big part of it.
Burnett wasn’t originally a sure thing to declare for the draft but much discussion with his family helped him determine “It was just the right time.” He met with the 49ers, Colts and Eagles while at the combine and hopes to stir up more interest with his second workout. He did weigh in at 184 pounds, up from his 170 listing while at USC. His weight had been one of his only criticisms from pro scouts.
Burnett finished the 2017 season with 86 receptions for 1114 yards and nine touchdowns giving him a 13 yard per catch average. Some of that credit goes to his quarterback Sam Darnold who could end up being the top pick in the draft. Burnett was very complimentary of Darnold’s performance in the Los Angeles rain:
I thought he looked great. I thought he looked fantastic. Every throw I was just anxious and excited for him to just show these teams what he’s about. We know what he’s about. He’s a special player and a special arm talent.