SDSU football alums, NFL players unite for youth camp

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Last year, the Jackrabbit Former Players Association hosted its first youth football camp in Sioux Falls. This year, the clinic grew in numbers, and the increased attendance demonstrated the strength of the SDSU football program.

About 250 kids participated in the event and ran a variety of drills ranging from rushing, catching, tackling and blocking — all under the direction of former SDSU stars turned NFL players as well as the Jackrabbit coaching staff.

“It’s exciting,” Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Mason McCormoick said. “Just getting around the kids and seeing them and helping put a smile on their face is awesome. I think they love it. They’re having a blast, and we are too.”

“It’s cool to see all the kids out here and all the support, even just from little kids up to the parents,” Los Angeles Rams linebacker Christian Rozeboom said. “I know a lot of the former players brought their kids. So, hopefully someday I can do that.”

On top of giving the kids an outlet to learn the game of football, the camp also provided an opportunity for the program to connect with its fans.

“To have just the community down here in Sioux Falls, to be able to interact with our coaching staff, but also with the former players that are in the NFL to come back and do this, I think it’s pretty awesome,” SDSU head coach Jimmy Rogers said.

With numerous NFL players coming back to the Mount Rushmore State just weeks before training camp, it speaks to the culture surrounding the Jackrabbit program.

“It’s special because not a lot of places are like this,” Rogers said. “Our players are willingly coming back to this to give back to the community. I think it’s it’s really a testament to maybe their experience at South Dakota State to still want to be a part of something and want to give back.”

“To be in the position I am, it’s awesome to be able to come back here to South Dakota and give back to these kids,” McCormick said. “It’s definitely a cool experience for me as well as them.”

The JFPA is slated to hold another youth camp in Brookings later this month.

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