BY RICK WRIGHT –
Mena Bearcat Carson Cannon recently attended the Manning Passing Academy at Nicholls State, about 60 miles southwest of New Orleans.
Quarterbacks from just about every major university across the country are camp counselors for the event. “Baker Mayfield from OU was there,” said Cannon. “Austin Allen was there who is in line to be the Arkansas starter. It was really cool to be able to learn from guys who have already had the experience at the next level. Even the Mannings, who have been in the pros, it’s cool to hear how it progresses from high school through college.”
The camp focused on mechanics of passing, footwork, and reading coverages. “We worked on things we can do ourselves to get prepared to play quarterback” said Cannon. “Over 500 quarterbacks together in one place was something. When we played 7-on-7, it got interesting.”
Archie Manning never really attended the football camp he founded two decades ago to become a magnet for future NFL quarterbacks. The former New Orleans Saints great, and father of football stars Peyton and Eli Manning, simply saw the Manning Passing Academy as a way to get the family together and help typical high school quarterbacks better enjoy their fall Friday nights. Many star NFL quarterbacks such as Matthew Stafford, Philip Rivers, Andrew Luck, Sam Bradford, Nick Foles, and Marcus Mariota, just to name a few, have attended the Manning Passing Academy in the past.
Archie Manning preaches that everyone who chooses to play high school football deserves to have a good experience. Providing that is all the Manning Passing Academy wants to do.
When high school players chat with the Mannings, they get tips on how to strengthen their arms, read coverages and develop leadership skills. Peyton Manning tells these young men to lead by example, to be the first one out there and the last one off the field. By working hard, they each can earn their team’s respect and become leaders.
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
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