It's no secret to Cam Hart what opportunity currently lies in front of him.
After elevating from fifth-round pick to starter as a rookie, the second-year cornerback enters 2025 with a chance to play a significant role in the secondary.
"You hear about the sophomore slump and, 'You guys had good years this, that,'" Hart said on Tuesday. "I turn the page every day.
"Every day is a new day for me," Hart added. "I try to attack every day and feel new every day."
Hart was a revelation for the Chargers last season, as he was thrust into action and produced among the league's best rookie corners.
The 24-year-old finished ninth in passer rating against and run defense grade among rookie cornerbacks with at least 300 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. He was also eighth in PFF's run defense grade with a 69.0 and second in tackling with a 77.0, missing the fewest tackles among rookie corners.
Despite the success he saw as a rookie, the page has completely flipped for him to try and make it more than just a one-year thing — and he's shown those in the building he has what it takes to do so.
"I think Cam is a leader," defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale said. "He's one of those guys that's not going to say a lot, but he definitely leads by his demeanor. He has a presence about him. He walks in the room, ready to go, locked in, next play. He's like that all the time.
"He's not robotic by any means, but he's a machine," Clinkscale added. "I can't wait to see him get out there and do his thing."
The avenues to improve in Year 2 are there for the big cornerback.
Hart showed a lot of versatility and ability to line up against bigger receivers and get physical when he needed to in the run game.
But he's also gotten lauded for his work in the meeting room, as he has displayed the willingness and want to improve, an exciting sight for Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter, Clinkscale and the staff.
"Big thing for Cam, I think he's one of those guys that's really bought in to learning the game, getting better at his craft," Clinkscale said. "He's a big, physical corner who I think can improve a lot more than what he even showed last year."
One of those areas of improvement Clinkscale hopes to see from the 6-foot-3 cornerback, however, doesn't have to do with his actual play when he's on the field.
It's more so staying on the field and being available, something that he was working through as a rookie.
"His thing is really just the durability," Clinkscale said. "Want him to continue grow and mature in that situation."
He battled a number of injuries after joining the defensive rotation in Week 6 and also suffered a shoulder injury in the Wild Card game in Houston that he has spent this offseason recovering from. The cornerback was working off to the side during the opening practice session of Chargers Organized Team Activities.
Hart told local beat reporters on Tuesday he is "close" to returning and because of the work he's been able to do working his way back, he hopes to return in stride whenever he is cleared.
Having that in mind is why one of Hart's goals for 2025 is to stay on the field to be able to show his full capabilities.
"I got a lot of goals for myself. One, get healthy. 17 healthy games," Hart said. "Obviously last year, everyone seen a couple of injuries here or there, that has been something that I've been tormenting over or just mad about for myself.
"Just 17 healthy games and give everybody everything I have," Hart added. "I think I got a lot out there that I can prove, or have to prove, and I showed a small percentage of who Cam could be in the NFL last year. With 17 healthy games, I think I have a lot more to show."
Hart said he's been working hard and placing an emphasis taking care of his body in the building and out of it right now, just as he would if he was healthy.
Clinkscale sees the same, as he is hopeful a healthy version of the young cornerback could be a big factor in the secondary.
"With him being a more younger guy, you expect him to bounce back a little sooner," Clinkscale said. "A lot of those things you can't change, they just naturally happen, but when he's back just stay in the direction of being healthy.
"I think he puts everything into it with the trainers, strength and conditioning coaches," he added. "Just want to continue to see him be available. We tell them all the time, your best ability is availability, and sometimes it's in your control and sometimes it's not. If it is in your control, make sure you handle it."
When Hart does return to the fold, he will have his chance to make his mark on what's turned into a very competitive secondary.
Of course there's fellow second-year cornerback Tarheeb Still, free agent additions Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste and more who occupy the room, a battle that will develop well into training camp.
"It's competitive, nobody has a spot," Clinkscale said. "We want to see who's going to earn it. I know every coach says that, kind of a cliché."
Clinkscale later continued: "It's extremely competitive right now. Tarheeb and [Hart], those guys were rookies last year, now they're the cream of the crop, they're trying to get better. The older guys that we brought in are competing with them and then some of the guys that's been around, that's improving the last two years, are giving them competition as well.
"It's awesome," he added. "They're going to make my decision really hard, and that's what you want."
However things shake out in the room, Hart is determined to show his strides in his second season with the Chargers.
"Whatever I did in 2024, that's over with," Hart said. "It's a new opportunity, new script, new page. Ready to write that chapter."
