NFL Pro Bowler returns to roots with Destrehan camp

Football players between the ages of 7 to 17 will get a chance to work out with NFL superstar Ed Reed when the Pro Bowl safety comes to Destrehan to host his football camp next week.

The camp takes place from Tuesday, June 24 through Thursday, June 26 from 9 a.m. until noon each day. The camp will be held at Destrehan High School.

Reed, who anchored the Baltimore Ravens defense for years and is currently a member of the New York Jets, usually brings other NFL stars with him to the camp each year. Past players who have attended include former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, Washington Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss and Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Michael Oher.

Destrehan head coach Stephen Robicheaux said Reed makes sure the camp is all about the kids.

“He wants kids to experience stuff they don’t normally experience and have fun,” Robicheaux said. “Ed is just a great individual, not just a great player. He hasn’t forgotten his roots and he always comes back and does this camp for the community.

“He is a great ambassador for Destrehan High School.”

The main objective of the camp is to teach the basic fundamentals of football. Each camper will be instructed in the techniques used in every position on the field to enhance their skills and make them better football players.

“The first day we are going to work on offensive skills and the second day we are going to work on defense,” Robicheaux said. “On the third day we put them both together. Players that attend this camp are going to get a good knowledge of the game of football.”

Reed, who starred at Destrehan before embarking on an All-American career at Miami and a storied NFL career, is a huge draw to the camp because he is so hands on with the kids who attend.

“Ed doesn’t do this to get his picture in the paper, he just comes down to spend time with the kids,” Robicheaux said. “He doesn’t just have his name on the camp, but he comes down and gives his time and interacts with them.

“He is from St. Rose so he knows what a lot of these kids are going through and can relate to them and tell them what they need to hear.”

Along with giving motivational speeches to the campers, Reed also gets his hands dirty by illustrating the defensive techniques that have made him one of the top players in the NFL. Robicheaux and his coaching staff will also be on hand throughout the camp.

The older players will take part in 7-on-7 games with Reed while the younger kids scrimmage by playing touch football.The cost of the camp is $40, which covers registration, instruction, food and camp T-shirts.

Those interested in attending can show up at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24 to register or call Jeanne Hall at (985) 764-9946.

 

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