I think you can make a strong case for Robert Woods or Nickell Robey to go pro. Robey will not get any taller next season, so would he really improve his stock?
But USC’s had other players who delayed going pro that were ready. What might be different this year was the atmosphere at the end of the season. Robey might have been turned off by the post-game arguing in the locker room at the Sun Bowl and wondering if a new defensive coordinator would bring in yet another secondary coach.
He might have thought Lane Kiffin would not regain the team and feel like going through another season of disillusionment. Woods’ relationship deteriorated so much with Lane Kiffin, turning pro was easy.
Robey’s was harder. But maybe in the end he felt like there was no other choice.