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Justin Time: Blalock uses brief break from NFL schedule to hold third football camp in Plano
BY Kevin Hageland, khageland@starlocalnews.com
There were plenty of repeat visitors Saturday at the third annual Justin Blalock Football Camp.
The Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman and Plano East alum recognized most of the returners, but not all of them.
"I knew some of the kids that were back from last year right away," Blalock said. "But some of those kids it took me a minute because they have really grown a lot over the past year."
What started with 100 kids signing up at the first incarnation in 2010 and grew to 110 last year jumped to 145 this year.
"It's quite humbling that so many kids wanted to take part," Blalock said.
A donation of $5 per person was requested to help with operating costs, but no money was required as the camp was funded by The Blalock Foundation, the guard's charitable organization. Compare that with other camps across the state featuring NFL players that charge upwards of $250
"It was a little bit of a struggle at first," Blalock said. "But as the foundation has gained more traction, it has really allowed us to open our doors to so many more people. Not everybody has the opportunities I got when I was growing up, so you want to make camps like this special for the kids."
Blalock called in some of his friends to aid in that endeavor.
"I've been really blessed to have so many great coaches in my life," he said, "and we had people coming out of the woodwork to help with the camp this year."
Saturday's instructors included former Texas teammate Brett Valdez, former East teammate Jerrod Kay and Shepton High School coach Bruce Strong.
"Coach Strong is from Shepton, which means he is a [Plano Senior and Plano West] guy," Blalock said. "That's unfortunate for him, but I decided I could put that aside for one day.
"Especially since giving up a Saturday is a lot to ask."
Especially a Saturday where the temperatures crept into the upper 90s.
"Yeah, there isn't a whole lot I can do to get around that because of my schedule (with the Falcons)," Blalock said. "And it can be a little rough because this is the time of year when it gets sweltering hot."
To combat that heat, plenty of the camp took place at East's indoor facility with participants running through the standard drills of stretching, running, jumping, catching, throwing and blocking. As has been the case the two prior years, Blalock attempted to bring a more unique flavor to the camp with a speaker.
This year's discussion revolved around how players present themselves to recruiters.
"I know all the recruiting websites aren't exactly new, but they can complicate things and there is still a lot players don't understand about them," Blalock said. "And then there is another group of kids that maybe don't even have access to a computer at home."
Past speakers discussed nutrition and entrepreneurship.
"Every year we want to give the kids something that isn't about just football," Blalock said. "Everyone is good at something and we want these kids to be able to achieve whatever it is they want in life."
The camp, which was coordinated with Top Achievers founder Lawrence Mann, wrapped up with attendees receiving a t-shirt and backpack.
"I don't get to come back to town a whole lot, so it's always good to see these guys and give back to the community at the same time," Blalock said. "It's like a family reunion."
That family reunion will continue in the coming days as Blalock travels to Austin to visit with more old friends before reporting to Falcons training camp on July 25.
"I have a little more time off and I plan on enjoying it," he said. "I'll spend time with friends and basically just lay back and recharge the batteries before they get used up over the next five to six months."
Atlanta went 10-6 last season.
"We had a lot of enthusiasm and looked good during OTAs and mini-camps," Blalock said, "so I feel good about the upcoming season."
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