A handful of well-known former Kansas University football players are getting together this weekend to help out young athletes who hope to have a future in football.

Several of the Jayhawks running this weekend’s Next Level Youth Training Combine on Saturday morning (April 26) at YSI Sports Complex in Lawrence were members of KU’s 2008 Orange Bowl team and their expertise stretches to nearly every position on the field, making the affordable event helpful for any young football player in fifth through 12th grade who might wish to participate.

The former players who will run the camp include:

WR Dexton Fields

WR Raymond Brown
RB Brandon McAnderson
DB Justin Thornton
DB Lubbock Smith
LB Eric Washington

And it’s possible that former KU running back Jake Sharp and former KU linebacker Mike Rivera also might stop by to help out.

According to their web site, “This camp is designed to help young athletes prepare for higher levels of sports. We are striving to provide quality training and education from coaches who have played football at an elite level. We will test all aspects of what it takes to be a top level athlete through mental, physical and social tests. These traits are the key components to being successful in taking football to the next step. We have put together a competitive plan that will provide the best coaching experience for our participants.”

The day will begin with registration at 7:30 a.m. and run through 2 p.m. It will be broken down in the following manner:

1. Testing – 40 Yard Dash, Agility Shuttle, Broad Jump, 3 Cone Drill

2. Skills – Speed, Agility, Cardiovascular, Explosion

3. Team Drills – These drills will be very challenging, but will serve the purpose of teaching young athletes that it takes hard work to be successful and make it at the next level.

According to Fields, “these drills will be very challenging, but will serve the purpose of teaching young athletes that it takes hard work to be successful and make it at the next level.”

Anyone interested in participating in the unique, NFL-combine style camp can show up the morning of and register there.

You may also get more information or pre-register online at http://nextlevelcombine.brownpapertickets.com