'Camp Carlisle' - in reference to working out with strength coach Carlisle - is a phrase that is often tossed around by USC fans as a quick fix for players who are not yet physically ready to play Division I football.

It is very easy to overlook the fact that these players work their tails off. And no one shows more signs of off-season hard work than Vincent Joseph.

I talked with VJ nine months ago - back when he actually had a neck - and he said his goal was to put on between ten and fifteen pounds before spring practice. As of last Friday, VJ weighed 182-pounds, more than 12-pounds heavier than he was last year.

Twelve pounds of muscle goes a long way in the weight-room and it showed when he was recently tested for his max on squats, power-cleans and bench:

Squat - 405-pounds
Power Cleans - 245-pounds
Bench Press - 300-pounds


...More... To continue reading this article you must be a member. Sign Up Now for a FREE Trial