Chaney Division I stars put on local football camp

YOUNGSTOWN , Ohio (WKBN) – Chaney High School graduates and University of Michigan College Football National Champions Jason Hewlett and DJ Waller put on youth football camps Saturday morning.

The Wolverine Camp was held at Chaney High School and was the first of its kind.

“It’s very great seeing the young kids, and they all look at us, they know us because we’re from here,” said Hewlett. “It’s great that they got someone to look up to in the city and not just on TV. They know they can meet us and talk to us any time, we always show them love.”

“We just giving back to the community today,” said Waller. “I always wanted to do this as a kid, it’s a dream come true. I’m just blessed to be doing it.”

The event had campers of all ages participate in groups with skills challenges and drills. At the end of the camp awards were given out and a most valuable player of the camp was named.

“[I’m] here to work, compete and make friends,” said camper De’Ariua Javey.

“I want MVP, I don’t even know why, it’s just going to feel good if I get it,” said camper Damoni Carlock.

Many other Valley college football athletes also came to coach the young football players. Youngstown East product and current Utah State University defensive end Blaine Spires said he takes every chance he gets to give back.

“It’s crazy because I remember, I was here, I was in the back soaking up knowledge from the older people,” said Spires. “I was ready to see them, I’m super happy to see them. Just to be one of the people in this position right now, it feels good, it’s amazing.”

Ten-year-old camper Damoni Carlock said college athletes coming back to Youngstown inspires him.

“Because of my big brother Jason Hewlett, he made me want to play football, I’ve been playing since I was five,” said Carlock.

Waller and Hewlett said the whole point of this camp was to show kids their dreams are achievable.

“That’s why I came out here, try to be around them much as possible to show them that they could do it, too,” said Waller.

“To be honest, it’s all about them, for real,” said Hewlett. “I can’t take no credit for it. It’s just all about them, giving back because they support me.”

Next season, Waller will continue his college career at the University of Kentucky after transferring from Michigan. Hewlett will continue his college career at Michigan as a sophomore linebacker.

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