With the summer nearly over and football programs across the nation getting ready for fall camp, 25 dedicated Quarterbacks from 15 different states traveled to Saddlebrook Resort in Tampa, Florida to get one final tune-up before entering the upcoming season. There were a few familiar faces and several new faces for the final camp of the summer.
QB Coach Joe Dickinson and QB Josh Freeman
Day 1: Elite Quarterback Academy at Saddlebrook Resort
07/26/2010
Tampa Bay Buccaneer QB Josh Freeman and Tampa Bay Buccaneer WR Sammie Stroughter made a special appearance during the morning practice to work with the participating QBs and take them through some of their favorite training drills. They also talked with each participant about the dedication and commitment it takes to play at the NFL level. Only days away from the start of NFL Training camp, Freeman and Stroughter also took this as an opportunity to get in some extra work before heading into camp.
We welcomed back Ms. Paulette Ngu to take participants through a core strength training program. Ms. Ngu is an expert in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), specifically kickboxing and Muay Thai; adding a unique element to the program. This is Ms. Ngu's second Academy at Saddlebrook Resort, and her regime is one of the most talked about parts of the camp. She has quickly become a staple for all of DeBartolo Sports University's programs. DeBartolo Sports University (DSU) invited QB Coach Joe McCulley from Hennessey, OK to work with the QB's alongside Coach Joe Dickinson. Coach McCulley has had a very successful career as a coach and as a player. As a QB at Tulsa University, McCulley led the nation in passing.
Coaches spent the day working with the quarterbacks in a rotation of skill stations focusing on throwing technique, footwork, drops, and routes. Jason Riley and his team of Performance Specialists including Chris May took all the athletes through their quarterback specific NFL training program.
One of the youngest participants in the Academy, 12-year-old Caden Walters (Dodge City, KS) made a very nice impression on the Coaching staff.
Says Dickinson, βHe (Walters) came out ready to throw. He wasn't intimated by the older QBs. I loved how he stepped up in practice. He was one of the first to practice and one of the last to leave. It's obvious he loves the game."
Returning Academy participant Josh Cousins (QB, class of 2012 from Denton, TX) really stood out amongst the other participants.
Says Dickinson on Cousins, "He has really good size, and throws the ball extremly well. He was really good in December when we first saw him, and he's even better this time around. It will be fun to watch him play this fall, he's going to be good."
Jon Wilder (Henderson, TX), Quinn Shanbour (Oklahoma City, OK), and Richie Chute(Victor, NY) also were very impressive during the workouts.
Quarterbacks will continue their workouts on Tuesday July 27, 2010 where they will look to improve on Day 1.
Visit www.debartolosportsu.com each day for your update on the Elite QB Academy at Saddlebrook Resort.
Day 2: Elite Quarterback Academy at Saddlebrook Resort
7/27/2010
Athletes returned to the field this morning to build off the progress of Day1 and resumed their station rotations of skills work, strength training, and agility training.
Today's heat didn't slow down any of the QBs, especially Augie DeBiase (Jacksonville, FL), Jose Miguel Chavez (Mexico), Isaac Kay (Houston, TX), and Kedric Bostic (Jupiter, FL).
Says Dickinson on the rising 8th grader, Augie DeBiase, "He (DeBiase) is so advanced for his age. His skill set, talent level, and knowledge of the game is that of a QB several years older than himself. Expect to hear his name a lot more when he gets into high school." He continues on about Chavez, "He (Chavez) is the hardest working athlete out here today. Football is a little different in Mexico, but he has come in and gotten better with each rep."
Says Dickinson on QB Isaac Kay, "Isaac is another very talented and mechanically sound QB . He has been training all summer and the hard work is paying off. He throws with great velocity and is very good on the chalk board."
Kedric Bostic is a QB that is receiving interest from several programs including Central Florida, Harvard, Princeton, and Wake Forest. The tall, 2012 graduate is very smooth in his drops and has a nice touch.
The day ended with an evening practice and a 7 on 7 competition. The youngest QB in the camp, 12 year old Greg Purdy, stepped up and made several successful throws during the camp. He showed great confidence and poise against athletes several years older than he.
Thanks to Jesuit coaches for all of their help and for bring their DB's out.
Quarterbacks will continue their workouts on Wednesday July 28, 2010 where they will look to improve on Day 1 and Day 2.
Visit www.debartolosportsu.com each day for your update on the Elite QB Academy at Saddlebrook Resort.
Day 3: Elite Quarterback Academy at Saddlebrook Resort
07/28/2010
QBs hit the field hard for a long morning practice where they continued their skills work and strength and conditioning drills.
Today's shout out goes to Robert "Turbo" Tirbene from Wiregrass Ranch High School in Wesley Chapel, FL. "Turbo", as he is known is the camp, is the only athlete to attend every single Elite QB Academy at Saddlebrook Resort. The WR plans to make a major impact this coming season and has not had a single practice. Thanks for coming out Robert, your hard work will pay off.
Keaton Lewis (Witchita, KS), Dylan Hatchell (Hennessey, OK), and Jon Wilder (Henderson, TX) continued to showcase their abilities as to why they are three of the best up and coming QB's in their respective states. We expect each of these individuals to have very strong senior campaigns.
Says McCulley on the three, "These guys are three of the hardest working QB's in the camp, and all have shown improvement these three days. You can tell these young men have had some great coaching."
Participants were given the night off and all took a trip to the mall.
On Thursday, QB's will begin the day in the classroom with some NFL Film study followed by an onfield skills station.
