Five reasons this Detroit Lions beat writer is ready for training camp to start. Veterans report Thursday and camp opens on Friday, July 26. Rookies report on Monday.

1. It’s been 201 days since the Lions last played a game and in that time between the draft, free agency, contract extensions and more I’ve written enough copy for a book or two. Love my job, but at this point I would love even more to write about something a little more substantial — you know tackling, hitting, diving catches, interceptions and perhaps a good camp skirmish or two.

2. Minicamp and OTAs (organized team activities) are grand, but no contact is allowed so it’s tough to judge the new guys and the old guys who are competing with the new guys. 

3. It’s gets old hearing about the Lions’ new attitude (get on board or get off the bus) coming off a 4-12 season. Time to see it on the field.

4. Always love the start of training camp and the process of whittling the roster from 90 to 53. My old friend Tom Kowalski taught me the beat writer’s trick of figuring out who might make the team. You have to pay close attention from Day One. And, no, I’m not sharing.

5. Could use a little more tan and without fail — even though weather in Michigan is slightly unpredictable — we’ll get plenty of sun at camp. Just bought more sunscreen. Bring it on.

(Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Order her book,  “100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die’’ here. It’s also available at bookstores.)