TAMPA – I recently got a chance to take my son and some other players that I’ve coached in the past to the University of South Florida Adidas 3-Stripe Camp.
There were lots of great athletes on the fields at several positions, and it was the first football camp for my son.
As a parent, its the beginning of a long process for a kid whose goal is to play football professionally. I’ve held out long enough. I wanted him to enjoy being a kid for as long as possible (even though he’s taller than me now), so that he won’t lose the joy and innocence of adolescence.
I know that time is over, as colleges are recruiting young men out of middle school to play football. The demands of training, practicing and studying are much more strenuous now then it was when I played football.
I told him,”if you want it, if you truly want it, then now is the time to show it with your own actions”.
It’s great seeing him grow with his friends whom I had the joy of coaching at the youth football levels. It’s exciting to see college coaches eyes get wide when they discover he’s just a rising ninth grader.
It brings joy to see him have the opportunity to forge his own destiny, after covering so many other great young athletes at the prep level, and seeing them excel on their own heart and determination.
After coaching, and training them through the youth levels of sports. After ensuring their grades are up to par and creating a safe and faith based environment at home. I feel as all parents who’ve ever been in my position before also feels. I’m proud to say that it’s my son’s time.
-Andre’ Ellis (Duval Sports Lead Writer & Founder)
Check out some of the athletes from Northeast Florida who attended the camp in my photo gallery. Also took some pictures of a few athletes in my son’s group who really impressed.
