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As a counselor at the Manning Passing Academy, Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg’s job is to put young campers through drills and keep the day’s activities moving briskly on schedule.
But when Peyton or Eli Manning is around, Hackenberg’s role shifts. From the camp professor, he instantly evolves and becomes the pupil. He studies and hangs on the two NFL quarterbacks every word.
“That’s the Manning brothers,” Hackenberg said. “They are two of the best quarterbacks of all-time. Of course we listen. Of course we pay attention to what they’re doing. They’re the models of consistency that every aspiring quarterback seeks to be.”
That dynamic between the current generation and the future generation is one of the most fascinating things about the Manning Passing Academy, which rolled through Nicholls State University’s campus this past week.
Featuring some of the top collegiate quarterbacks like Hackenberg, TCU’s Trevone Boykin, Tennessee’s Josh Dobbs, USC’s Cody Kessler and Oklahoma’s Trevor Knight, among many others across the country, the counselors present all echo Hackenberg’s sentiments: they’re there to help, yes. But it’s also all about networking and trying to soak up as much knowledge from the Manning family as possible throughout the multi-day camp.
“It’s hands-on,” Mississippi State standout quarterback and Louisiana native Dak Prescott said. “Peyton and Eli get involved and they’re just good people. They’re helpful. If they see someone doing something that they could maybe tweak or adjust to get better, they’ll walk all the way across the field, pull you aside and tell you in a way that doesn’t feel like a tongue-lashing or discouraging. It’s pretty amazing how it all is. It’s like they’re in their element here with all these quarterbacks doing work.”
But in all actuality, the camp isn’t about the college kids, though they get a lot of the headlines. Archie Manning said the focus is actually on the camp’s pupils, who ascend to Thibodaux annually from all 50 states around the country.
The Manning father said that when the camp first started, the goal was to equip high school quarterbacks with refined skills they can take to their schools before their upcoming fall seasons.
Since then, things have blown up and the Manning Passing Academy has more than 1,000 students annually, including wide receivers, halfbacks and tight ends who are now welcome, as well.
But the same principles and values remain consistent, no matter how large the camp grows. The Manning family’s goal is to mold young players into polished, seasoned high school players.
“This isn’t a Blue Chip affair,” Archie Manning said. “It’s not one of those elite camps or one of those things that you have to get an invitation to. We want to make sure that every, single young football player that comes to us learns something that they can take to their school this fall and use on the field. That’s always been our goal and something that we take pride in being about.”
Having a host city that’s accommodating helps, as well.
Peyton Manning lauded Thibodaux for its hospitality, and Eli said that the city is “perfect” for everything that goes on throughout the week.
“The people here do a great job making us feel welcome,” Eli Manning said. “Nicholls State University and all of the people in this community make this venue perfect for the academy. They are a huge reason for the success that we have.”
The Manning Passing Academy virtually gets the keys to Nicholls State University throughout the week. Campers sleep in the university’s dorms and practice sessions take up virtually every piece of grass on the campus.
That influx of folks in town naturally spills over into the city’s hotels, restaurants and nightlife, which all see a huge bump during the week of the camp.
Some of the counselors have been to Thibodaux before – even if as pupils of the passing academy as children. But many others got acquainted with Southeastern Louisiana for the first time this week. The newbies said that they love Thibodaux, calling it an exciting college town.
“This is a pretty cool place,” Pittsburgh quarterback Chad Voytik said. “The weather is warm, but the campus is nice. There’s some nice things to do around here, as well. I didn’t know what to expect here, but I’m pleased. It looks like a great place to me.”
“I’m really enjoying my time in Thibodaux,” Utah State quarterback Chuckie Keeton added. “It’s different, but the people are incredibly nice. Since we’ve gotten here, I can’t tell you the number of times that folks have welcomed me and told me that they’re here to help if we need anything.”
But, of course, the hospitality and nightlife isn’t why they’re here. It’s about the quarterbacking and the chance to learn from two of the masters within the NFL.
To the students, the camp’s counselors are big-named, hot-shot college quarterbacks. But the counselors look up to the Manning brothers with a similar level of reverence and admiration, which creates lifelong memories for everyone involved.
“I’m glad I’m here,” Hackenberg said. “I’m happy to be here. This is a great experience.”
