There have always been distractions for players. In today's era, however, a lot of options are more readily available. Staying disciplined and focused on the needed objectives becomes more difficult.
That appears to be far from an issue for freshman Husan Longstreet. On3's Pete Nakos shared that coach Lincoln Riley is highly excited about being able to coach the young quarterback. He is particularly thrilled with how focused he is, seemingly not having too many interests other than looking to get better at football.
To be a high-caliber player, having that type of mentality is not a prerequisite. Some find success in being able to also explore an outlet. Sometimes, having something else to turn to other than the sport can actually be beneficial.
This does not appear to be the case for Longstreet, however. Instead, coach Riley noted in his comments to Nakos that he senses the quarterback is more or less only concerned with his football regiment.
More than walking the walk, as Trojan fans saw from his appearance at the BOSS showcase, Longstreet takes his responsibilities as a USC athlete seriously. Coming straight from the head coach, it looks like it is all focus and intensity coming from the freshman.
Anything can happen in this sport. As things stand now, Jayden Maiava is expected to be QB1 for the upcoming season. A dip in form or (fingers crossed this does not happen) an injury will then see coach Riley turn to either Longstreet or Sam Huard.
A lot of anticipation from USC fan base
Because of the talent that people have had a chance to analyze from his games at Centennial High School, many are even calling for him to be the starter already. It appears that passing Maiva on the depth chart will be a bridge too far.
Even so, these types of statements from coach Riley and knowing what has already been established from Longstreet, when his time comes, USC fans will be highly comfortable when handing the keys to the program to him.