SDSU’s Gronowski involved in 28th Manning Passing Academy

THIBODAUX, LA (KELO) — The Manning Passing Academy is known as the premier camp for offensive skill players in high school. Each year, different college quarterbacks make the trip to Louisiana and this year’s included a familiar name.

Archie Manning, along with his three sons Peyton, Eli and Cooper put on the 28th Annual Manning Passing Academy this past weekend.

“A lot of great kids obviously. We just have the facilities here at Nicholls State to allow us to have so many kids and dorm space for everyone. Just another great turnout,” Peyton Manning said.

Hundreds of athletes flock to Louisiana for the event, as do some college quarterbacks and various coaches.

“Obviously, the college quarterbacks are new every year, which keeps the camp kind of fresh,” Manning said. “A lot of veterans who are returning help these new coaches, and I think it just makes the camp exciting and fun every year for me, because there’s new people and you’re coming back to see old friends.”

One of the college quarterbacks is SDSU standout, Mark Gronowski, whose trip to Louisiana is sort of a preview to the trip he and the Jackrabbits will make in September to play Southeastern Louisiana.

“I always love going on the road. I always love the routine of being on the road, but it’s also cool to be at new stadiums with new teams, facing new opponents, placing new challenges in front of you because they’ve got different defenses and stuff like that,” Gronowski said.

While there was plenty to be learned last weekend, Gronowski is just eager to get back on the field and continue to build on SDSU’s success.

“It’s been one of the best runs in FCS and it’s been a whole lot of fun, especially with all of the guys that we’ve done it with,” Gronowski said. “It’s been the same guys, but now we’re kind of going over a new step. It’s a new generation of players that are younger and have been chomping at the bit to get ready and continue the dynasty so to say.”

The Manning Passing Academy wrapped up on Sunday. SDSU kicks off the season on August 31 at Oklahoma State.

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