COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Two current Ohio State football stars spent Sunday afternoon mentoring future Buckeyes.
Safety Caleb Downs and wide receiver Carnell Tate hosted a youth football camp at St. Charles Preparatory Academy. “Game Day Youth Camp” hosted kids ages 6-16.
The camp focused on “fundamentals and position-specific” instruction. Downs says he values community outreach and finds different ways to positively impact people.
“The kids that come to the games, I want to be around them and support them anyway I can,” said Downs. “I think the game is growing and will continue to grow. Any help I can give with that is a blessing.”
Eric Schnur, Senior Director for Game Day Youth Camps, says they brought the camp to Columbus through Downs’ family. Schnur run two youth camps for Downs’ brother, Josh, in Indianapolis. Schnur says they reached out to Caleb, and he was immediately interested in doing the same in Columbus.
“When you see the response of the kids and the looks on their faces, the excitement of participating in a camp with Carnell and Caleb. When they come to a group they’re in and throw them a ball or catch a pass they throw, it’s incredible.”
Tate understands the value and impact of shaping the next generation of football players, remembering attending these types of camps as a child.
“These kids mean a lot to me. I was once in their positions, looking up to the players. It’s a blessing,” said Tate.
Tate and Downs are preparing for another successful season at Ohio State. The Buckeyes’ season opener is on Saturday, August 30, at the Shoe.