Most football camps teach football skills. That sounds obvious, but that isn’t always true either. Other camps go above and beyond to really get down to the core of what being a football player is all about. For a few 5th to 8th graders, they will get to experience everything being a football player is about.
CJ Spiller will be hosting his 5th annual CJ Spiller Football and Life Skills Camp on May 14 and 15 in Clemson Football’s Indoor Practice Facility. Current and former superstar will help kids develop football skills and give them instruction on fitness and conditioning, health and nutrition, academic achievement and life lessons.
Spiller is one of the best athletes Clemson University has ever had. His number 28 was retired due to his outstanding achievements. Spiller proved to be a major catalyst for the football team as he became the first Clemson player to have a rushing, receiving and passing touchdown in one game. In his senior year, Spiller set the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) record for career kick return touchdowns with seven. Now a member of the New Orleans Saints, Spiller has the opportunity to give back to the community that supported him through all of his success and hopefully provide the opportunity for a couple of young kids to create some success of their own.
Activities of the camp will include football skill development, inspirational speeches by former Clemson players, football skills showcase, scholarship instruction, an introduction to college admissions, test-taking skills and learning the responsibilities of student-athletes.
“I just love their competitive nature. They don’t like to lose and [they ] also give me a chance to see who the leader is because I have guys out their drawing up plays or telling the other kids what to do on certain situations,” Spiller said. “Plus, they get a little extra juice because we let the parents come and watch.”
The camp has a greater aim than teaching kids football. Spiller’s goal is to teach young athletes how to be mentally, physically, spiritually and socially grounded.
“This is always an exciting time for me in the month of May because that’s usually when we do the camp and each year brings its own unique style,” Spiller said. “But I’m just really excited to see the kids come out and have a great time and learn different things through the two days we will be together.”
