On the Sidelines with Camp Lineman
(NEWPORT NEWS, Va) — The past Saturday, May 18, young athletes had the opportunity to participate in Camp Lineman, a football camp dedicated to teaching the basic fundamentals of being an offensive and defensive lineman. Camp Lineman was founded and is led by former Pitt running back and ex NFL player, Glenn Deveaux. Coach Glenn started Camp Lineman with the mission “to evaluate, teach, develop and promote each student-athlete we encounter, and help him reach his maximum God-given ability”. The purpose of his camp is to fill any gaps left by schools or other training camps. Coach Glenn goes on to mention, “at the high school level, you are lucky if you get 15 minutes for a coach to really focus on you and your needs… we want our players thinking and learning good habits”.
The camp took place at Newport New’s TowneBank Athletics Field, from 8am to 1pm. Coaches wasted no time getting the kids to work. Throughout the day, participants learned proper stretching techniques, practiced stance and starts, footwork, and other basics of football. Parents lined up on the sideline, watching and recording any new techniques they could take home with them. “We are very transparent; we have nothing to hide. In fact we encourage parents to stay so they can see what we do, ask questions, as long as they don’t get in the way”, says Coach Glenn.
Coach Glenn was accompanied by other talented football players of the past and present including: Gibril Ghee, current offensive linemen at Hampton University, Justin Williamson, defensive line coach at Norfolk State University, and Willie Bates, former Indiana and 2x All Big Ten linebacker.
Camp Linemen focuses on athletes ages 10 to 18. However, Saturday, Camp Lineman welcomed its youngest participant, Koby, an eager 8 year old ready to play with the big boys. Some participants have been a part of Camp Lineman since its beginning. Father, Robby Stevens, has sent his son, Tyler, to participate in Camp Linemen every year for the last 5 years. When asked why he looks forward to this camp every summer, Stevens says, “There aren’t a lot of opportunities for linemen as far as camps in the area, and then I found Camp Lineman. It’s a good core of coaches who want these kids to do well and get to the next level”.
What makes Camp Lineman different from other camps is the in depth sessions that many schools and training camps do not get to offer. Many times there are too many players for the coaches to personally asses what each individual needs.
Also, what sets Camp Lineman apart are the academic sessions that follow. Once the field work was completed, athletes and parents gathered around the coaches to discuss topics such as the importance of core grades, standardized testing and what recruiters look for in players. “The first thing I look at is grades, and then I look at your character. I ask your teachers how you are as a student, and then ask myself if I think you will be a good representation of the school,” said Norfolk State Coach Justin Williamson.
Participants and parents left Camp Lineman with more on-field skills and knowledge surrounding the college process.
Be sure to visit their website for a camp near you!
www.camplineman.com