USC opens up training camp, more prepared compared to past years

Getting to work early and hitting the ground running with some momentum is important. USC began training camp this week, and the manner in which the Trojans are already practicing and working on the needed aspects is encouraging.

One aspect that coach Lincoln Riley lauded was how in shape and physically ready the players were this time around compared to past years. This is, of course, a credit to the director of football sports performance, Trumain Carroll. In several ways, coach Carroll has already shown how the strength and conditioning department had been lacking. He has changed the tone there, and now the camp is able to begin at a better place with a higher degree of intensity. These are factors that will benefit the Trojans, particularly later on when adversity inevitably hits.

More importantly, a winning team has a certain sound and feel to it. It can be sensed when those involved are simply going through the motions, not being particularly attentive, or not giving the needed respect for the game of football.

It has only been one day, and by all means a lot is yet to take place, but the way in which USC has started this year's season preparations gives a little more room for optimism.

Aspect that needs to continue for USC through August

Watching and listening to how the Trojans are approaching practice speaks to many of the changes that have taken place throughout the program. The needed changes were bound to translate to the product on the field during practices, and USC fans will hope that that then further translates into the win column.

Early on, camp is about looking for players to stand out and separate themselves. The more competitive and the more game-like the practice is during the opening stages, the better. If it takes a little while for someone to create separation from a particularly competitive training camp, then that could end up being an even better sign of things to come for USC.