There are many ways for a prospect to stand out during pro day workout – put up big numbers, forget your cleats, etc. WR Terrence Austin of UCLA chose a different route, as he had a large contingent of friends and family in attendance, all wearing his jersey and making quite a bit of noise.

Befitting the Trojans’ blue blood status in college football, a whopping 13 noteworthy players worked out. In total, 21 players particpated. Despite the presence of so many talented prospects, however, it was one slightly lesser known guy (Kevin Thomas) that really used the workout to catapult himself, according to my sources.

It happens way too often, and it’s disappointing every time it does. The most common culprit is the hamstring. Well, North Carolina CB Jordan Hemby (5-foot-10 7/8, 190 pounds) is the latest victim. He pulled his hamstring running the short shuttle, and the minor injury prevented him from doing the three-cone drill.

It may be time to start paying some more attention to N.C. State C Ted Larsen (6-foot-2 5/8, 306 pounds). NFL teams are certainly doing so.

Indiana State athletics are known for one name — Larry Bird. Since he graduated the school, it has failed to re-enter the national conscience. The football program, in particular, has been an afterthought. The last Sycamore drafted was seventh-rounder Dan Brandenburg by the Bills in 1996. DB Donye McCleskey might be the man to change that

Central Florida’s best prospect, DT Torell Troup, didn’t actually work out at the school’s pro day on March 25, but don’t be alarmed. The 6-foot-2, 315-pounder is making the rounds. He is visiting with the Lions on Thursday, has a visit scheduled with the Vikings next week, and has already worekd out for the Patriots, Chiefs, Browns, Broncos and Saints.

When position coaches are dispatched to a pro day, it typically signifies a definite interest in a particular prospect. Remember that when it comes to Connecticut WR Marcus Easley (6-foot-2 3/4, 211 pounds). Included among the 20 team representatives on hand at UCon”s pro day were the receivers coaches from the Jets and Ravens.

Not all pro days are created equal. At Rice, Texas Southern and Northern Illinois, for example, there was an absence of elite level prospects. Despite the lack of top-notch players, however, the participants deserve credit for giving their all in an attempt to make the pros.

Three Duke players who were not at the combine — DB Leon Wright, LB Vincent Rey and DE Ayanga Okpokowuruk – helped their chances of catching on with an NFL team at the team’s pro day.

Earl Thomas‘ hamstring is fine, according to a league source, and will not set him back ahead of this month’s NFL draft.

One player rapidly moving up the charts and catching the eye of talent evaluators is Houston TE Fendi Onobun. Prior to Texas’ pro day on Wednesday, Onobun’s name dominated the breakfast conversation among scouts for the sensational performance he had at Houston’s pro day on Tuesday.

Click on the photo to view the USC pro day gallery.

G Charlie Tanner posted a 36-inch vertical jump, a 9-foot, 3-inch broad jump and a 4.38-second short shuttle at Texas’ pro day Wednesday — all numbers that would have put him in the top-10 amongst offensive linemen at the combine.

Colt McCoy earned some high praise from Ravens offensive consultant Al Saunders at Texas’ pro day Wednesday. Saunders, one of the architects of St. Louis’ “The Greatest Show on Turf” in the late ’90s, said McCoy reminded him of Peyton Manning in terms of his preparation.

Colt McCoy might not have the strong arm that Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford displayed earlier in the week, but that shouldn’t detract from a fine performance in front of scouts from 30 NFL teams (the Lions and Rams were the only teams not in attendance).