Former USC RB LenDale White speaks on transfer portal impact for current players

There is a lot going on in college football. USC is trying to regain their place in the sport in terms of modern-day contexts. In terms of historical significance and the power of the Trojan emblem, the university continues to be a top school in the NCAA. Only the record as of late has not matched that of some of the past teams that have walked through the Coliseum.

An excellent example of a familiar face from a past, more successful era is LenDale White. The former running back won back-to-back titles and was on the team that came close to achieving a three-peat.

The retired player sat down with The Coach JB and Big Smitty Show and discussed part of why he joined USC and why he believes the Trojans are close to being annual contenders again.

For White, he knew that the power and connection of being a member of the USC football team would go further than anywhere else. Not to mention that he played on a roster that had an embarrassment of riches in the RB room alone.

From Joe McKnight to Reggie Bush, USC brought in top talent at all positions and was the force to be reckoned with on a national level.

While the program has taken a sizable dip since the days of coach Pete Carroll, White believes that there is a resurgence happening now under coach Lincoln Riley. According to him, it starts with the current recruiting classes and how the staff is winning those battles. It won't be too long before the future wins also translate to increases in the win column.

White did discuss an important difference between when he was a player and now. NIL gets a lot of attention, but the transfer portal affects the relationship with players in a different way between them and their schools.

As mentioned, White played in a great position group room. In today's era, most likely, many would have sought the door after the first season or had flipped on a commitment once finding out who their teammates would be.

Certainly, there are positive cases of the transfer portal, and athletes have benefitted from this newfound freedom. It does, however, give a bad look when the only apparent reason for transferring out is due to lack of initial playing time or fear of competition at the same position.

Important distinction mentioned by former USC player

That's something that was not as readily an option back in the day compared to now. Again, all circumstances have individual factors to consider. There is something to be said for sticking with a program and fighting for a spot and earning playing time after learning and working behind the scenes.

One advantage that older players have compared to now, as White mentioned, is that when he returns to Los Angeles, he is unquestionably a Trojan. That isn't to bemoan those who transfer for a season and find themselves in a good situation. It should be something of a stronger consideration point for all athletes as to the why when deciding to move to a different school.

Players like White have a legacy and are immortalized at USC forever. It feels different when comparing those who hop around, changing their school colors every semester.