Justin Wyatt CB 5’10 185 USC
By: Robert Davis

Justin Wyatt is one of the best athletes and one of the fastest players in the Trojan program. That natural ability has caused him to bounce back and forth between positions at USC. As a freshman, Wyatt was a little used corner. As a sophomore, seeking to utilize his natural playmaking talent, Pete Carroll shifted Wyatt to wide receiver. Midway through the season, Wyatt returned to corner. Once he finally settled in at corner, Wyatt became a vital part of USC’s secondary. During his junior campaign, he finished the year with 40 tackles, 4.5 for loss, with an interception. He didn't have the senior year anticipated, finishing with 34 tackles, 2.5 for loss, with one interception.

Wyatt is an excellent athlete, and has phenomenal speed. He has the natural talent to turn and run with any wide receiver in the country. He is not just a cover corner though. Wyatt will stick his nose into the action and make plays in the running game. With the presence of Reggie Bush, Wyatt has not gotten a chance to showcase his return ability, but he could provide some depth as a punt and kick returner at the next level. The Trojan staff moved him to offense to try and take advantage of his gifts, but he was needed more at corner.

Despite being able to keep up step for step with receivers, Wyatt doesn’t make many plays on the ball. He must show a better sense for finding the ball and making a play on it. He has the talent to be a real playmaker, but doesn’t live up to it. His size will also present problems at the next level. He’s not big or strong enough to match up with more physical receivers, and he may be relegated to nickel duty.

Justin Wyatt has the natural gifts to be a riser come draft day. Teams crave speed, and are always looking for corners that can cover. Wyatt has that speed, and has the cover ability. He gave up too many plays this year, but teams will overlook that if he runs like he should in workouts. Wyatt currently grades as an early Day Two pick.