USC coach Clay Helton said this morning he was bullish on wide receiver Deontay Burnett’s NFL future despite not getting drafted.

“I think the Tennessee Titans really stole a young man,” Helton said. “He’s going to bring great football instinctiveness to the table, as well as great production.”

Helton said he could have a similar career to former USC cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman, who went undrafted but has had a successful NFL career.

“I really expect Deontay to do that same thing,” Helton said.

But here’s the thing: Did Helton predict such success for Burnett in his meetings with the wide receiver before Burnett turned pro? Or did he say he needed to return for his senior season?

I’ve heard the latter.