Most football players aspire to play a starring role for their team, or at least contribute consistently as a starter. Earning a starting job or lead role doesn’t happen overnight.

The process for a high school football player to carve out playing time begins now, in the offseason, long before the team ever puts on the pads.

Rock Island High School (Illinois) coach Ben Hammer knows this as well as anyone.

Hammer, a USA Football master trainer who's also served as a U.S. National Team coach, has seen firsthand how players can transform themselves during the offseason. He's seen plenty of JV athletes turn into impact players in less than 12 months.

RELATED CONTENT: [PODCAST] Coach and Coordinator: Lessons from 2017, Ben Hammer (12/14/17)

That path starts now, and players who dedicate themselves to the process can reap the rewards when the Friday night lights turn on.

But as Hammer points out, it’s not just about effort in the weight room. Offseason commitment is a 24/7 endeavor.

“What they do on their own — academics, sleep schedule, what they put into their body as far as hydration and nutrition — is just as important as the weight room,” he said.

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It comes down to trust. If a coach can’t depend on a player in the spring to be committed, it'll be difficult for the coach to rely on that player in the fall, Hammer said.

Ultimately, playing time is a matter that's out of a player’s control, because there are other factors that are in play. Hammer advises players to focus on things they can control.

“Don’t get too concerned with the ending outcome,” Hammer said. “There’s a role on every team for every player. Playing time falls out of an individual player’s control. What a player can control is commitment, dedication and effort.”

If you want to be part of a USA Football two-day skills development regional this offseason, with a shot at playing for the U.S. National Team, click here for more information.

This is an updated version of a blog that originally published December 19, 2016.