Porter

Gustin

Gustin (6'4/255) claims he was flagged for Adderall, but the failed test is bad news for his draft stock regardless. Heading into the NFL Scouting Combine, Gustin was considered a fringe Day 3 prospect because of his injury history, and he might be stuck as an undrafted free agent now. The bodybuilder linebacker has upside, however, so he will assuredly receive an opportunity this summer.

Zierlein described Gustin (6'4/255) as a “Below-average athlete as 3-4 SAM backer whose effort and determination have allowed him to post consistent production on the college level.” He didn’t do any of the athletic testing due to multiple different injuries including a season-ending fractured ankle in 2018. Gustin was once viewed in a much better light but with his injuries, his draft stock has fallen significantly. He’ll likely be a late Day 3 pick at best.

Gustin was described by USC HC Clay Helton as being a “force of nature” and called him Thor because of his build and playing style. However, Gustin has dealt with injury after injury and he’s seen his draft stock fall because of it. At one time, there was speculation that Gustin could sneak into the end of the first round but that ship has sailed. If Gustin can stay healthy, he may turn into a Day 2/3 value pick.

“We are all kind of numb right now, to be honest with you,” USC head coach Clay Helton said. “He’s a force of nature, and you think of him as a superhero, as Thor ... and to know that he’s not going to be with us for the remaining part of the season is obviously something that hurts us all.” Gustin will undergo surgery and then will begin rehabilitation to prepare for the NFL draft. This is obviously a tough blow for USC, as well as to Gustin’s NFL stock. Gustin has been one of the Pac-12’s best defenders the past three years when he’s been healthy, but he struggles to stay on the field. Gustin was limited to only four games last year due to toe and biceps injuries. He also suffered a meniscus tear in his left knee during camp this summer.

Just a friendly reminder in case you tune into our first bit of Pac-12 After Dark action on Friday and are left wondering why Gustin’s not on the field. Gustin was ejected last Saturday after leveling Sam Ehlinger with a big hit which knocked the quarterback’s helmet off. The hit itself did not look particularly egregious in terms of targeting, and frankly, if a helmet is being worn properly, it shouldn’t be able to fly off at all. Regardless, Gustin’s out for a half. Look for redshirt freshman Hunter Echols to see an extended run against the Cougars as the team tries to cover for the temporary absence of its senior leader. Through three games, he has registered 15 tackles (5.5 for loss), four sacks and one pass defensed.

Gustin’s ejection means that he will have to sit out the first half of USC’s game against Washington State Sept. 21. As for the remainder of Saturday’s game, redshirt freshman Hunter Echols slides into the spot left vacant by one of USC’s most experienced defensive players.

Gustin has received a little first-round buzz in early 2018 mock drafts circulating around the industry. The media’s optimism is baking in further advancement in Gustin’s game this fall. A former five-star recruit, Gustin had 68 tackles, 13 TFL and 5.5 sacks in 2016.

Gustin underwent toe surgery on Wednesday, but that would only be a concern for mere mortals. He entered Saturday’s contest in the first quarter. The Trojans don’t figure to push him too hard, but that he is playing at all is impressive.

While Porter (6'5/260) had two screws inserted in his big toe, he has not yet been ruled out for Saturday’s game against Texas. Said HC Clay Helton, “It’s day to day. Porter’s a tough kid. I don’t know if it’s too late for him to play in this game or not.” In two games this season, the athletic dynamo has posted 11 tackles. Should Gustin be ruled out against Texas, Connor Murphy would draw the start in his place.

Trojans HC Clay Helton has not shed a more specific light on the nature of Porter’s ailments. The 6-foot-5, 260-pounder has recorded 11 tackles through the first two games of the season. His status for Saturday’s primetime showdown with Texas has not yet been determined.