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Come Fan with UsSunday, June 21, 2026

USC’s Nickell Robey to enter NFL draft

The junior from Frostproof, FL didn’t receive a high rating in his NFL Draft evaluation, but he’s opting to leave USC a year early anyway.

USA TODAY Sports

USC junior cornerback Nickell Robey will declare for the NFL Draft, according to the LA Times' Gary Klein. Robey made he decision several days ago and informed head coach Lane Kiffin, but waited until Sunday to announce it. The NFL Draft Advisory Board reportedly told Robey that he may not be selected until after the third round, but that has not stopped him from already submitting his draft paperwork.

Robey started for three years at cornerback for the Trojans, collecting seven career interceptions. He also handled some punt returning duties, averaging 9.5 yards per return in 2012. At 5’8”, 165 lbs, he’s quite small, even for a defensive back. However, teams rarely tested him this past season, which explains why he only ended up with one interception in 2012. To Robey’s credit, he did return that pick for a touchdown.

Robey is the second USC underclassman to declare for the draft, following wide receiver Robert Woods out of Los Angeles.

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