USC quarterback Sam Darnold, widely considered a potential No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, won't throw at this week's combine, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Darnold will instead use the combine to focus on athletic testing and interviews, a source told Schefter. He plans to throw March 21 at USC's Pro Day.
He completed 303 of 480 pass attempts for 4,143 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions last season while adding another five touchdowns on the ground as a redshirt sophomore.
Darnold is the first of the top quarterback prospects to decline the opportunity to throw at the event. Other candidates for the No. 1 selection - Josh Rosen, Baker Mayfield, and Josh Allen - have all committed to the showcase. Likely a later first- or second-round pick, Mason Rudolph also said he'll be throwing.
Louisville's Lamar Jackson hasn't made a decision.
Johnny Manziel and Teddy Bridgewater were the last prominent quarterback prospects to skip the throwing exhibition at the combine ahead of the 2014 draft.
