Syvelle Newton plans to show off his skills at the NFL combine

If the NFL combine is about exuding confidence, Syvelle Newton’s stock would skyrocket.

If the NFL combine is about versatility, that also is something Newton has plenty of.

If the NFL combine is about bloodlines, Newton has that as well.

As it turns out, this week’s NFL combine in Indianapolis is about all of those things, among many others, and the former USC and Marlboro County standout is looking forward to the challenge.

“I don’t think I have too many challenges,” Newton said. “Playing for (Steve) Spurrier and (Lou) Holtz, I know a lot about reading defenses.”

That’s important, since Newton primarily was invited to the combine to prove he can play wide receiver. He played the position sporadically as both USC coaches devised ways to get him on the football field.

Newton provided a glimpse of his potential during the week of practice leading up to last month’s East-West Shrine game. After battling a case of the drops early in the week, Newton created a stir among the East coaching staff and draft scouts by flashing elite playmaking ability and crisp route-running. During a scrimmage on Jan. 17, Newton made what was considered the play of the day on a deep crossing route.

“It was fun getting back into it,” Newton said of playing receiver.

In Indianapolis, Newton will be one of 47 receivers vying for attention. Among the competition is fellow Gamecock Sidney Rice.

Don’t think for a moment that Newton is intimidated or concerned about being placed in the same group as Rice.

“I don’t think Sidney helped me with anything,” Newton said of learning the position. “I think I helped Sidney. When he came in, I was already doing it.”

Newton and his agent, Kevin Parker, said there is a possibility that teams will consider him for a position other than receiver. He will find out for certain during the interview and testing portion of the combine. As for participating in the physical portion, Newton said he is battling a mild groin injury. Depending on how the groin responds, Newton might skip the workout portion in order to prepare for an individual pro day workout next month.

His measurables already guarantee plenty of interest whenever he can take to the field. At 6-2 and 198 pounds, Newton has the prototypical size of an NFL receiver. His times in the 40-yard dash add to the intrigue with a low of 4.44 seconds.

Newton is vying to become the second member of his family to play in the NFL. The Carolina Panthers signed Newton’s older brother, Cam, off the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad in December.

For now, Syvelle will settle for emulating Cam when it comes to work ethic. Down the road, perhaps the two will find themselves bumping in coverage, since Cam plays safety.

“One thing about Cameron is he’s one who might not have the most talent, but he will outwork whoever’s working with him,” Syvelle said. “That’s what kind of league it is. I work hard. I try to be like Cameron but he’s more focused than I am. I’ll try to keep myself like him in that way, though.”

In addition to Newton and Rice, defensive back Fred Bennett also has been invited to the combine from USC. Clemson has seven invitees: defensive end Gaines Adams, offensive linemen Dustin Fry and Nathan Bennett, receiver Chansi Stuckey, linebacker Anthony Waters and defensive backs C.J. Gaddis and Duane Coleman.

No other state schools will be represented, though there were four other players with South Carolina ties on the invite list. Linebackers Justin Durant (Hampton) and Lawrence Timmons (Florida State) were teammates at Wilson. Virginia Tech offensive lineman Brandon Frye played at Myrtle Beach and North Carolina running back Ronnie McGill was a standout at Clover.