Coach Lincoln Riley's recruiting policy at USC makes sense and is the right way forward

It is difficult to find a one-size-fits-all policy for much of anything in life. What is best for USC and works for coach Lincoln Riley's program may not translate or be effective in other areas across the nation.

An aspect that has come under a lot of discussion that is not related to the Notre Dame-USC series is coach Riley's recruiting policy. For anyone committed as a Trojan, they are expected to honor what the word actually means. Yes, the current NCAA rules allow for student-athletes to still entertain interest and take official visits to other programs.

For coach Lincoln Riley, if someone is not 100% invested and committed to the program after making a promise, then he views it as best for both parties to go their separate ways.

This is about finding the right type of people who want to wear the Cardinal and Gold and play in front of the home crowd at the Coliseum. Attracting the right type of talent that will be willing to fight through adversity and handle the constant in-season adjustments that will best help the football team can have a varied impact throughout the roster.

If someone, for example, begins the season as a starter and another player steps up and takes over the role, coach Riley needs to have a person with fortitude to respond to that drop on the depth chart. He would want to see someone fight for their place again and be ready when asked to take the field again.

For some, the option of blaming others in such a circumstance and opting for the portal can be seen as an option. While valid, people are certainly entitled to make any career path they view as best suited for them.

Growing a program and establishing a team culture that fosters individual growth can often mean facing a harsh truth, leaving the onus on the player to respond.

That is what coach Riley is striving for on the recruiting trail. Other teams go about things differently. And the approach is also not universal. The Trojans also bring in players who they know will be at USC for a year before going on to the NFL.

Aiming for sustained excellence at USC

How this staff is building the Trojans and emphasizing their priorities, though, is highlighted by the aforementioned policy. It does not make sense to spend time and energy on someone who makes an initial commitment and is already eyeing a potential better offer.

Other teams may try to go the strictly mercenary rental route, but that is not USC's approach. Instead, they are building to be annual players in college football for a long time to come.