Four Gamecocks ready for NFL Combine

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According to NFL.com, five former South Carolina standouts earned invitations to the NFL Scouting Combine later this month at Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis, but only four will participate in the workouts.

Busta Anderson is listed among the invited tight ends, but missed USC's bowl game in Shreveport, La., after deciding to undergo surgery for a torn triceps muscle.

Four former Gamecocks plan to trek to Indianapolis for the NFL's annual talent showcase: guard A.J. Cann, running back Mike Davis, offensive tackle Corey Robinson and defensive tackle J. T. Surratt.

The NFL Combine officially gets underway on Feb. 17, but on-field workouts do not begin until Feb. 20.

Cann, who declined an invitation to the Senior Bowl, is the highest rated USC prospect heading into the NFL Combine after starting more than 50 games in his college career.

NFL.com draft analyst Bucky Brooks rates Cann as the top guard/center available for the NFL Draft. "Cann is a standout interior blocker with the size, strength and power to control the point of attack," he wrote.

In addition, NFL.com draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah ranks Cann as the No. 38 prospect overall, putting him squarely into the early second-round.

Cann's NFL.com scouting report declares he "(c)omes off the ball with low pad level and plays with good knee bend. Has a thick frame and maintains a wide base. Rarely bull-rushed. Pins defender effectively when down-blocking. Displays natural upper-body strength and powerful hands. Snatches and stays engaged. Consistent inside-hand placement upon strike. Generates push as a drive blocker."

In his latest mock draft unveiled Monday, CBSSports.com draft analyst Dane Brugler has Cann going to the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots with the final pick in the first round.

CBS Sports and NFLDraftSCout.com rates Davis as the No. 8 running back prospect and Robinson as the No. 15 offensive tackle. Weight-wise, the 344-pound Robinson is the heaviest offensive tackle among the top 16 draft prospects.

Robinson, given a grade of 5.26 by NFL.com, proved to be an effective run blocker at USC, but struggled against speed rushers on the edge. His draft profile says Robinson "(h)as a massive frame and very long arms. Uses length to redirect pass rushers beyond quarterback when beaten by speed. Moves better than expected for a man his size. Recognizes twists and collects them. Uses his size to his advantage when blocking for power running game. Cut back on penalties and quarterback pressures allowed as he continued to show improvement at the position."

Surratt is rated by CBSSports.com as the No. 32 defensive tackle available for the 2015 NFL Draft.

"Has a low center of gravity and maintains leverage throughout snap," Surratt's draft profile at NFL.com reads. "Looks to jolt offensive linemen with post-snap punch. Won't just allow himself to be blocked against the run -- fights to get off the block and make a play. Has good foot quickness on the interior."

SCHEDULE OF ON-FIELD WORKOUTS:

Feb. 20: Specialists, offensive linemen, tight ends

Feb. 21: Quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers

Feb. 22: Defensive linemen, linebackers

Feb. 23: Defensive backs.

MEASURABLE DRILLS:

40-yard dash

Bench press

Vertical jump

Broad jump

3 cone drill

Shuttle run

CONFERENCE BREAKDOWN: SEC (68), ACC (57), Pac-12 (44), Big Ten (39), Big 12 (31), FCS schools (27), Mountain West (16), AAC (14), Mid-American (9), Conference USA (5), Independents (5), Sun Belt (5), Division II schools (2), Division III schools (1).

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