Happy 4th America
June 28, 2016
Former Lafourche Parish President remembered for ability to work with others
June 28, 2016
As a counselor at the Manning Passing Academy, LSU quarterback Brandon Harris’s No. 1 job this past week was to teach techniques and skills to the 1,000-plus pupils of the camp.
But when Eli, Peyton or Archie Manning stepped up and offered advice to the young quarterbacks, Harris isn’t afraid to admit that he quickly transitioned from instructor to pupil and soaked in everything the family had to say.
Harris is one of dozens of college quarterbacks to serve as camp counselors at the academy, which took place last week in Thibodaux on the campus of Nicholls State University.
Harris said the chance to learn from the Manning family in invaluable – a tool he hopes to use on the field next season as he aims to lead LSU to a national championship.
“Just look at the successes they’ve had,” Harris said. “They’ve all done so well in every stop at every level. My job is to help with the young kids, but I’m learning as much as anyone. I’m thankful for the opportunity and am happy to be here at this great event.”
Harris is not alone. Quarterbacks across the country lived on every word the Manning family offered throughout the four-day event.
The event is like a mecca for young quarterbacks eager to learn more about the position.
Each year more than 1,000 signal callers come to the area from across the country to hone their skills – a number that makes the academy one of the largest football camps in the world.
Because of the enhanced popularity of the event, the Manning family summons college quarterbacks to serve as counselors. Each are considered instructors throughout the week. They help break the mass of pupils into smaller groups, which ensures that each gets individual attention.
The quarterbacks come from across the country and they’re among the most successful players in college football.
This year’s group consisted of Harris, Clemson’s Deshaun Watson, Baylor’s Seth Russell, UCLA’s Josh Rosen, Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield and Texas A&M’s Trevor Knight, among others.
Archie Manning said the support the event receives from the college counselors plays a huge role in why the event is successful.
He said the family is always grateful to the young men who give up time in their summers to work with students at the event.
“We really like having them here,” Archie Manning said. “A lot of them were campers here when they were younger, so they already know how things work and operate. We have some incredibly talented young men helping out throughout the week. Our counselor group this year is very talented. The expertise they lend to the young men here is excellent. It’s a big piece of what we do.”
But much like Harris, the other counselors said they’re the ones doing most of the learning.
Rosen said being in Thibodaux was a joy – an opportunity he thinks will pay off in the fall.
The California native threw for 3,670 yards and 23 touchdowns last season as a true freshman – success which puts him atop many analyst’s lists for the 2016 Heisman Trophy.
“Being here is excellent,” Rosen said. “Spending time with all the guys is something you can’t beat. We’re all learning so much from Peyton and Eli. How can you not? For the college guys, we all keep track of one another throughout the year. It’s good to swap some phone numbers. We’ll be texting a lot of these guys throughout the year and giving one another support.”
Russell agreed. He said he’s happy he made the trek to Thibodaux.
“What a week,” he said. “It’s been a great experience. It’s been something that I think we all can use to help us get better. We’re all helping out, but we’re making our own progress, as well.”
Progress is exactly what Harris is looking for after a topsy turvy sophomore season at LSU.
The Bossier City native started hot for the Tigers, but faltered late, causing many to question whether he can lead the Tigers to the next level in 2016.
Harris said he reads the headlines and is fully aware of the things people say about his ability.
The Tigers quarterback said this offseason has been his best one yet and he’s fully confident in his ability to break through when the new season rolls around.
Harris said his secret to success is something he learned from the Manning family – a tidbit he plans to take with him into the fall.
“Play the next play,” Harris said. “No matter what happens – even if it’s bad, you have to stay on an even keep and keep going.”
A teacher for the week, yes.
But Harris and the other counselors were all pupils in their own way, as well.
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