By Austin Moss
NFL Player Engagement
On February 23-24, 2013, NFL Player Engagement hosted its 2nd PREP 100 Series Presented by Under Armour at the Miami Dolphins Doctors Hospital Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University. The two-day football camp featured some of the top talent in the South Florida area and offered valuable training both on and off the field.
Day one began with registration and a welcome from the NFL Prep 100 team which consists of: NFL Player Engagement, VTO Sports, Under Armour, and Gatorade. Parents, coaches, and student-athletes were welcomed by a representative from each party who discussed their purpose and role in the NFL PREP 100 Series. After the welcome, the athletes and parents/coaches were separated into small groups and assigned to their respective breakout sessions. There were a total of four groups (three student-athletes, one parent/coach/guardian) that participated in 45-minute sessions addressing NFL Character Development/Life Skills Training, NCAA Leadership Development/Eligibility, NFL Officiating Academy, and an APTUS Learning Assessment.
After the breakout sessions concluded, the student-athletes ate lunch and prepared for the afternoon on-field activities, led by former NFL Player and Performance Training Specialist Eddie Mason and the PREP 100 coaching staff.
The PREP 100 Series coaching staff consists of elite coaches that specialize in individual instruction and teach sound fundamentals needed to master the game of football. Our entire coaching staff consists of men who have NFL or college playing experience. More importantly, every PREP 100 coach has earned their college degree. This is a requirement upheld by the NFL PREP 100 Series which simply reinforces our standard of being exceptional students and athletes. It is our goal to communicate to the athletes that you will all reach different levels of athletic success, but one day your athletic ability will diminish, and you must rely on your education and character to propel you in life.
Day two of the NFL PREP 100 Series started off with a health and nutrition presentation by Sarah Dickerson-Locke, representative of Gatorade and Paragon Marketing Group. Students were taught how to properly hydrate their body prior, during, and after intense training and also how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Next, the on-field activities at the Miami Dolphins Doctor’s Hospital Training Facility resumed. The day’s schedule featured a 7-on-7 Tournament for the skilled position players and a Lineman Challenge in which the Offensive and Defensive Lineman compete in a series of physically challenging drills. There was a high level of intensity throughout the session and a lot of great plays made by talented athletes on both sides of the ball.
Overall, the event was a great success. We were able to engage the participants mentally, physically, and positively influence their outlook on academics and athletics. One mother was even kind enough to write NFLPE a thank you letter stating that after her son attended the NFL PREP 100 Series she noticed a distinct change in his study habits and attitude toward school. It’s small victories such as those that reaffirm the power and influence of the NFL PREP 100 Series. This is what PREP is all about.
Read more about the Prep 100 Series here.