LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Every camp is special, giving young kids the opportunity to enjoy themselves and learn in the process, but not many camps in the Mid-Michigan area are quite like the 517 football camp, that allows young athletes to learn from former and current NFL and college football players.
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The 517 football camp was hosted by Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Taylor Moton who is also a graduate of Okemos High School. For Moten giving back to his community in this capacity was always something he wanted to do, dating back to when he was attending many of the same camps a s a child.
“This place holds a special place in my heart and I love being able to give back to the youth and get them out the house a little bit, run around,” said Moten. “Meet some NFL players, meet some Spartan players, meet some pillars of the community. It’s a lot of fun for me and I’m glad we could all make this happen.”
Moten wasn’t the only NFL caliber player in attendance as Caroline Panther Jacoby Windman came to the camp to volunteer, as well as East Lansing High School graduate and Green Bay Packer Super Bowl XLV Champion Brad Jones.
Jones believes young kids who come to camps such as these, show they are willing to take the steps to up their game and commitment to the sport.
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“I think the kids who take the step to actually come out and physically move themselves or learn something in person, I think they’re light years ahead of the other kids, I really do,” explained Jones. “I think it’s immensely helpful to be able to aggregate with a bunch of kids, network and get knowledge in person.”
Recent East Lansing graduate Jace Clarizio, took time to volunteer in the camp as well as he is now a running back, part of the Michigan State football program. Clarizo was also involved in many football camps growing up and says it’s a different type of feeling to now be working alongside players that he looked up to when he was a child.
“When I was little kids I looked up to these guys and now being able to be one of these guys and help out kids who look up to me is awesome,” said Clarizo.
Over 350 kids between third and eighth grade were registered for the 517 football camp, and Moten hopes each one of them gained knowledge and skills that will help propel them in the future.
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