Let's Go Camping

 Zone Ready Press Release 4.1.09

Let’s Go Camping

Coral Gables, FL –It’s that time of year again, and Zone Ready Coach Chris Gizzi is on the road for the Nike Football Training Camps.  12 major Division I-A Universities will be used as the setting for the premier invite only football camp in the country.  Around 300 rising seniors will be put through the paces for nearly four hours to train with the countries best performance and football coaches.

Coach Gizzi has been in a member of the Nike tour staff for six years now and during that time has coached, motivated, and mentored over 20,000 high school football players.  Usually this detail involves pulling double duty as an athletic performance training specialist and as a linebacker coach.  This year, Chris added the role of camp MC to his camp checklist.  He comments: “We all do our part to give these young men a memorable day.  We want everyone to leave feeling like a million bucks and learning something new that will help them in the playing careers and even in their personal lives.  Whatever if takes – I love doing it all!”

This week the best and brightest in South Florida came out to the University of Miami to train and compete for a chance to improve their skills and improve their reputations.  Feedback from the staff goes out and readily influences college coaches to increase their sales pitch to high achievers.  Here is how coach Gizzi lays out the top fie Linebackers from this past weekend:

1.     #246 Jeff Luc from Treasure Coast HS—May be the most complete package we’ve seen at Nike Football Training Camp at any position!  For starters, his physical maturity would place him among the elite for current Div. I-A Linebackers.  He backs all that muscle up with superb agility, quickness, and explosiveness.  Most striking is his closing speed – it’s as if he being drawn magnetically to the football.  As impressive as his physical attributes, he is just as impressive with his “lead by example/student of the game” personality.  This guy’s got it all – I shutter to think that there is a better rising senior in American right now at inside linebacker.

 When Chris grows up, he wants to be as yoked as Miami Camp LB MVP Jeff Luc

 1.     #241 Darius Davis from American Heritage HS—Smooth and competitive athlete.  Excellent in all drills and made big plays in all the 1on1 scenarios.  Plays wit ha big chip on his shoulder – his engine is           always running.  Fine leadership qualities as he let’s his actions and hustle speak louder than words.

2.     #278 Rashad Gaitor from Northwestern HS (Florida)—Best feet in the whole camp.  He has the biggest upside as far as filling in his long limbed frame.  This guy covers a lot of ground and finds a way to    make plays in space.  Great attitude and hard working – his competitive fire is never quenched.

3.     #339 Darrell Smith from Royal Palm Beach HS—A real fire plug-this aggressive LB really stood out during all the drills.  Great hand strike and ability to close on the ball.  Only one ball was caught on him      during coverage 1on1s.  He fit in well with this group as a physical and emotional presence.

4.     #240 Michael Dallas from La Salle HS (Miami)—This true Will backer uses his athleticism and fluidity in all facets of his game.  Great hips and angles with a freakish ability to change direction.  He too       has plenty of room to pack on some quality muscle.

 And the show continues on for Chris and the rest of the camp faithful – this week in Dallas at Texas Christian University.  I’m sure all will sleep well Sunday night after a full four hours striving for excellence under the Texas sun!