By TOM ZEBOLD
USF Senior Writer
TAMPA - Three Bulls have a chance to show scouts from every
NFL team what they're about later this month.
USF linebacker Sam Barrington, cornerback Kayvon Webster and
defensive tackle Cory Grissom have been invited to attend the NFL Combine in
Indianapolis from Feb. 23-26. Fans will be able to watch live coverage of the
event on NFL Network.
"From a perspective of being in school and playing at USF
for four years, it's definitely a testament of hard work," Barrington said
Thursday night. "When I got the combine invite, I couldn't believe it. I was
just so grateful to be able to attend an event with Kayvon and Cory."
Barrington ranked second on
the team with 80 tackles this past season and finished his career eighth
all-time at USF in stops with 258. The Jacksonville native added 6.5 tackles
for loss, 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in 2012 before being named to the
All-Big East Second Team.
Barrington played in the
East-West Shrine Game in January and was joined by Webster, who led the Bulls with 82 tackles last season and finished his career with 190 stops. Webster totaled 8.5
tackles for loss, two sacks, three interceptions and four forced fumbles in 49
games (32 starts) as a Bull.
Grissom got a Senior Bowl invitation after finishing
second among USF defenders last season with 7.0 tackles for loss, to go along with 38
tackles, 2.5 sacks and two pass breakups. The All-Big East Second-Teamer
finished his USF career with 16.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, a forced fumble
and three pass breakups.
Barrington and Webster got their NFL Combine invitations
together in Miami, where they've been training since December.
"It's good we're down here working out together because I have
someone I'm familiar with and we can push each other," Barrington said. "Of
course, Kayvon is a lot faster than me, so he can help me with my speed. I can
help out with some things, too."
Training has consisted of waking up around 5:30 a.m. and working
each day until about 4 p.m. in preparation for an NFL opportunity that's now
approaching fast.
"Just because you get this accolade or a combine invite doesn't
mean you've made it," Barrington said. "You have to be grateful for all those
things, but kind of just take it with a grain of salt and keep on moving. You
have to understand that every day you have to make progress."
USF fans will be able to see Barrington and Grissom work out
for NFL scouts at the combine on Monday, Feb. 25. Webster and the rest of the
defensive backs that were invited will take the stage on Feb. 26.
