Local NFL and college football players share their drills and tips at Independence football camp

COAL CITY, WV (WVNS) – What do you get when you bring together athletes from the NFL, college football, and college baseball?

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You get the Saturday morning session for Independence Youth Sports’ 3-day Patriot Football Camp.

A pair of Patriot legends returned to help coach the camp, alongside Pittsburgh Steeler offensive lineman Doug Nester – who is also a former Hokie and Mountaineer.

I have two sisters that live here in Beckley. One is the principal of Independence. The other is the Hampton Inn manager there on Harper Road. So, I come down here as much as I can. My nephew was doing the camp, and they asked if I would do it. So, any time there is a time to give back, I try to.

Doug Nester, Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Lineman

For former Patriot stars like Judah Price and Atticus Goodson, helping with this camp just means more.

[These kids] watched me throughout high school. So, it is really cool to to give back and let these kids get some get some work and give them my knowledge from football just to try to lead them to a standpoint of where I am at now.

Judah Price, Marshall University Football Running Back and former Independence Star

Growing up, I wish we had stuff like this. When I was growing up, we did not have these camps, and now that these kids are able to have these camps and have people like me, Doug, Judah, Marcell, who have seen the outside world of sports and see how much everybody around us in these other states are getting the work to put in. [It is great to be] able to give these kids more experience on the college level and understanding that they have to work harder. It is definitely nice to be able to come up and do this for the kids. I will do it for any sport. I mean, even if it is basketball. I did not play much basketball, but I would come back and help with that too.

Atticus Goodson, College Baseball Player and former Independence Football Star

Campers got to run drills with these guys and other camp coaches – followed by some fun games to finish out the morning session. These three hung around after the morning session to answer any questions the kids might have. They also took time to sign autographs and take pictures with these kids.

Nester offered some important words of wisdom to these campers.

Work as hard as you can. I know it is a long road ahead, especially at [their] age. But, you know, just never quit working, never give up is really the main message. Always [put] academics first. That is what helps you get into college and everything else. Never give up on your dreams.

Doug Nester, Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Lineman

Jacob Shrewsbury is over the Independence Youth Sports program. He told 59News this was important to help renew the fire in Independence’s football program. He hopes this will assist in shoring up the foundation for the future of Independence sports.

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Camp is not over yet! Jacob Shrewsbury said if anybody would like to join them for Sunday, June 22’s session, it lasts from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Independence High School’s football field. This camp is open to kids ages 6 to 14. The cost is $75 a camper.

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Local NFL and college football players share their drills and tips at Independence football camp

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