Just back from Arkansas Camp

[MuskogeeHogFan]

This is long and I apologize, but there is a lot of information here about our program and I hope, worth the time and the read.

Yesterday was the Specialists Camp. There must have been 125 kids in that camp. About 30 were long snappers, the rest kickers/punters.

I saw some kids who could really "boom" the ball. Some did it at times, but I saw two who consistently hit it long and accurately in all three phases, FG's/XP's, KO's and Punting. RD knows more about both kids than I do, but it was impressive to watch punts of 45-50-55 yards being dropped inside the 5-10 yard line. Due to rain FG kicking had to be moved to the indoor facility (which is magnificent by the way for any who have not seen it) and I saw these two hitting consistently from 40 or more out with consistent elevation, not line drives that can be blocked.

I saw another tall kid who was excellent at just punting and he also boomed the ball consistently.

Watching this Camp I was reminded of something that I knew, but had forgotten when watching kids kick. There are kids who approach the ball and kick it and you hear the contact, but the kids who really have the better legs and better contact at impact create an audible "boom' when they contact the ball. I don't know how to explain it better than that, but it is a sound that makes you turn and look.

I have no names for these kids, sorry.

Today the three day high school camp began and I was told it had 350 kids attending. I only got through the first part where they were charting the standing long jump, recording height/weight and 40's times, but it was a well organized event up to the time that I had to leave and was again held within the indoor facility. There were some interesting physical specimens of varying positions attending.

By the way, for anyone who doubted it, Coach Herbert is a true Drill Sergeant. He was running the Performance Measuring segment and was loud and very audible in directing these kids around from station to station (no walking, everyone hustling). I can only imagine what a strength and conditioning session must be like with him in charge. You can tell, he takes ownership of his responsibilities with these kids. I love it.

All of the coaches that I spoke with were very friendly and amiable. Seems like we have a great and very committed staff.

I also met Jordan Jones Father today, he is a great guy and a true gentleman. I also met Richard Davenport today for the first time face to face and again, a really great guy and a gentleman, and someone that you can just tell, he loves what he does and as result, he is very good at what he does. Thanks for your time today, RD!

My final word is about Coach Bielema, who I met today for the first time. He is a truly a good guy and I was impressed that prior to the Camp Staff Meeting, he took time to have pictures made with each individual camper that wanted a picture and happened to be there at the time, whether they were a "camper of note and interest" or whether they were just another kid attending camp. He is genuinely a nice man as echoed in great detail by Aaron Henry, a Grad Assistant for Defense for the Hogs who played 4 seasons under Bielema at Wisconsin, was All Big Ten and helped lead Wisconsin to three consecutive Big Ten titles and Rose Bow appearances. I had the opportunity to visit with Henry for about 15 minutes and he said that the great thing about Bielema is that he tells you how it is, he does what he says he will do, and he expects you to do the same. By the way, Aaron Henry took the time during the meeting of all Specialists for that camp to go to every one of these kids and parents, introduce himself and visit with them. He didn't have to do that. An impressive young man.

It is a great experience for these kids. I am so thankful that my Grandson (going into the ninth grade) was able to participate in this camp and I know that he not only learned a great deal yesterday, but will learn a great deal more before camp ends on Tuesday.

Just thought I would share my experience for those of you who have never been able to attend one of these camps under Bielema.

Edit: And one more thing. While we were waiting for the kids to come over to the indoor facility today, I stood and watched Hatcher and Cornelius running quick feet/agility drills on their own on the turf practice field and gentlemen and ladies, those are two very quick footed individuals. I'm talking about so quick that you only dream of ever having had feet that quick, especially Hatcher, who looked so big and developed that at first, I mistook him for Alex Collins. Funny, I ran into three coaches from an Arkansas high school who had kids at this camp and I remarked to them, "just look at Collins' quick feet" and they corrected me. They said that is Hatcher and we know that because we just came from the Catfish Hole and guess who was bussing tables? Alex Collins. They said you couldn't possibly want to meet a nicer and more humble young man. One of the top ten RB's in the country for 2015 and he is working on a Sunday, bussing tables. I think that says a lot about this particular young man and his work ethic.

[goodguytex]

I know a kid from Texarkana that got to go. He plays football in junior high here in Texarkana. Great kid. Tons of talent in football and baseball. He's been playing on the American legion team here. He enjoyed the experience up there.

[Dark Helmet Hog]

Nice post and great info.

Thank you.

[TebowHater]

Great post thanks for the update! Especially about Hatch and AC  +1

[MuskogeeHogFan]

Great post thanks for the update! Especially about Hatch and AC  +1

Very, very, very quick feet and bulked up at the same time. Hatcher may put on a show this year.

And Alex Collins, if this doesn't speak volumes about this young man, I don't know what would. How many kids who were considered one of the top 10 in the country at a high profile position in the greatest conference in the country, would spend his Sunday afternoon bussing tables at a restaurant? Hats off to this young man.

[SamBuckhart]

Thanks for sharing. Good to see positive info on our students.

[Hog N Bama]

Great post. Future Hogs in the making with Coach B and staff running the show makes me a very happy fan. 
Alex Collins. I hope get to meet him someday. His work ethic and humble nature reminds me of Kiero Small, another great Hog. :razorback:

[MuskogeeHogFan]

Great post. Future Hogs in the making with Coach B and staff running the show makes me a very happy fan. 
Alex Collins. I hope get to meet him someday. His work ethic and humble nature reminds me of Kiero Small, another great Hog. :razorback:

Former Hogs T. Wright, Alfred Davis and Brey Cook working the camp, along with Toby Baker, Cole Hedlund (looks less like he is 15 in person) Adam McFain, Drew Gorton and others.

Along with the coaching staff, there are a lot of good folks working this camp.

[BornaHog]

Great post. Future Hogs in the making with Coach B and staff running the show makes me a very happy fan. 
Alex Collins. I hope get to meet him someday. His work ethic and humble nature reminds me of Kiero Small, another great Hog. :razorback:

  When you do meet him, you will be impressed. The first time I met him, he impressed me to the point that I did everything I could, posting pics and tweeting and trying to be the best ambassador for the HOGS that I could. I hope to this day, I was a small part of the reason that he chose the HOGS. I have met and talked to him several times and he still is the same Alex that he was when I met him at the Catfish Hole.   WPS    :razorback: :razorback: :razorback: :razorback: :razorback: :razorback:   GHG

[MuskogeeHogFan]

By the way, I think that one of the two kids that I saw really booming the ball is enrolled at Arkansas for the second summer session. Invited walk on? I'm not sure. But he really has a strong leg.

[Cinco de Hogo]

Awesome report and I'm sure an awesome experience too!

[ifghog]

Thank you for the info sir. Always great  stuff to look inside the program.

[go hogues]

Thanks so much for posting this! Great to see a post with substance in the offseason!

By the way, I really hope we can figure out a way to get Aaron Henry on the full time staff. That guy is everywhere, all the time. This tells me he's an incredibly hard worker and your post only reconfirms this notion.

[bigdaddyhawg]

I also met Jordan Jones Father today, he is a great guy and a true gentleman. I also met Richard Davenport today for the first time face to face and again, a really great guy and a gentleman ...

Though I've never met you sir, I know this:  YOU are a really great guy and a true gentleman.

[greenie]

Thanks, Muskogee, for an excellent post.  This is the kind of stuff that makes Hogville great.

And good luck to your grandson. 

[gmarv]

what a great post thanks Muskogee.ac has been one of my favorite players just because of the way he handles him self.

[staffhog]

Muskogee, thanks for the great info.  I have read every reply and every answer.  That is saying a lot.

[bphi11ips]

what a great post thanks Muskogee.ac has been one of my favorite players just because of the way he handles him self.

Yep.  If everyone here was as courteous as Muskogee it would be a much better place.  Maybe it's the offseason, but the mods seem to have been setting a better example as well. 

[flagstaffhog]

This is a good post. Bump.

Go HOGS Go!

[lumphog]

Thanks Musk........love to read your stuff.......GodBless

[MuskogeeHogFan]

Thanks, Muskogee, for an excellent post.  This is the kind of stuff that makes Hogville great.

And good luck to your grandson. 

Thanks Greenie, I appreciate it. He is just heading into the 9th grade and has a lot of hard work ahead of him if he wants to get to the level of some of the kids that I saw at this camp, but he knows that. This is a really great experience for him that helps set "the bar" for goals, development and performance by seeing what more mature athletes are doing in competition at their level.

My Grandson was awestruck by the facilities and particularly by being able to be on the game field in RRS. The first time he saw RRS as we drove in, all that came from his mouth was, "Wow, it is so big!" Big, impressive stuff for a kid from Fort Gibson, OK. And when Bielema agreed to have a pic with him, well, that just did it for him.

Bielema is a very generous man with his time with players. It was very kind of him especially since he was up against his scheduled staff meeting time for the camp. He is planting positive seeds with every participant of the camp knowing full well that while some may not come to SEC fruition, some will, and they will remember that Bielema took time out of his busy schedule to simply have a pic or visit with them.

We have the right guy at the helm. JMO

[Rison Razor Hog]

Thanks Greenie, I appreciate it.

...

He is planting positive seeds with every participant of the camp knowing full well that while some may not come to SEC fruition, some will, and they will remember that Bielema took time out of his busy schedule to simply have a pic with them.

We have the right guy at the helm. JMO

This is great information, and I agree about having the right guy at the helm!

Woo Pig!

[MuskogeeHogFan]

This is great information, and I agree about having the right guy at the helm!

Woo Pig!

And if you look above, he is spreading this philosophy throughout the staff and his Grad Asst's. Check out what I experienced with Aaron Henry, a Grad Assistant for Defense on the team. He played in three Rose Bowls for Bielema at Wisconsin. It isn't just Bielema doing it, it is a common thread that he is instilling in the staff.

[The_Hog_Father]

Thanks, Muskogee, for an excellent post.  This is the kind of stuff that makes Hogville great.

And good luck to your grandson.

My thoughts as well... Thank you and best wishes to your Grandson.

Wooo Pig!!

[MuskogeeHogFan]

One other thing that I like about this camp is that it is about teaching these kids that these trips to camps are pretty much about being a business trip for each of them while learning at the same time from the coaching that is available to them. Bielema told the kids, be remembered for the good that you do in this camp, don't screw up and be sent home for having made a mistake. What you will be remembered for is what you do while you are here. Good or bad in terms of conduct and performance.

A doggone good example for a lot of kids, whether they go to Arkansas or not. Life lessons being taught by the Bielema regime. Woo Pig!

[MuskogeeHogFan]

Here's an update from a personal note. My son and daughter in law are OU fans. They are coming over to pick up my Grandson from Camp and arrived a day early to observe. They are so impressed with what they have seen and experienced from talking to staff members, seeing the facilities and seeing what they are teaching in camp that they are stopping to buy Hog Gear before they leave tomorrow. Apparently, we have converts. And they wondered why I was so sold on Arkansas! Maybe I can get to where I don't have a "family divided".

[JoeyCapital]

I bet AC makes mad tips.

[Oklahawg]

Great Report, MHF!

Give me two weeks and we'll have to convene over lunch.

[ricepig]

I bet AC makes mad tips.

Yeah, better than a $100 handshake, lol.

[ChicoHog]

Muskogee-how could you let your son grow up and not be a Hog fan?  Shame on you, LOL!

[MissippHog]

+1 to you Muskogee, thanks for the info  :razorback:

[Hoggish1]

Thanks Greenie, I appreciate it. He is just heading into the 9th grade and has a lot of hard work ahead of him if he wants to get to the level of some of the kids that I saw at this camp, but he knows that. This is a really great experience for him that helps set "the bar" for goals, development and performance by seeing what more mature athletes are doing in competition at their level.

My Grandson was awestruck by the facilities and particularly by being able to be on the game field in RRS. The first time he saw RRS as we drove in, all that came from his mouth was, "Wow, it is so big!" Big, impressive stuff for a kid from Fort Gibson, OK. And when Bielema agreed to have a pic with him, well, that just did it for him.

Bielema is a very generous man with his time with players. It was very kind of him especially since he was up against his scheduled staff meeting time for the camp. He is planting positive seeds with every participant of the camp knowing full well that while some may not come to SEC fruition, some will, and they will remember that Bielema took time out of his busy schedule to simply have a pic or visit with them.

We have the right guy at the helm. JMO

Musk, I loved your report!

Just when it seems CBB and the program can't get better, it does!

I HAve not been more excited for football that I am this year...

[nchogg]

This was a really good read. I have never attended a camp but have read some reports in the past and this was the best. I have always been a proud hog fan when I have lived in CO, TN, AL or VA and yes born and raised in Little Rock. I had a friend in Little Rock who played and graduated a Vol and after he moved to Little Rock he became a Hog fan. It rubs off on people.

[DeltaBoy]

Great to hear this .  I'm proud of our Staff.

[SooiecidetillNuttgone]

Yep.  If everyone here was as courteous as Muskogee it would be a much better place.  Maybe it's the offseason, but the mods seem to have been setting a better example as well. 

Shut up, you!






Great report, Muskogee.

[Tejano Jawg]

Great report Muskogee!

[MuskogeeHogFan]

I appreciate all of the positive that is found in this thread. Our staff is doing a great job and they are very organized. A kind of funny story...after we checked in for the Specialists Camp and they moved us into the Defensive Meeting Room to sit and wait which was at about 9:20, my Grandson, after about 30 minutes asked me what they were waiting for, the room was nearly full? I told him that the schedule called for Bielema to address the group at 10:15 and that he probably wouldn't show until about that time because he (and this staff) is driven by organization. He responded, "But Grandpa what are they waiting for...everyone is here", at about 10:14 Bielema walked into the room.

Bielema has a plan and he and this staff are working "the plan".

And fellas/ladies, I'm not blowing smoke, they just seem to have it all together and planned out. They know we aren't turning the corner overnight. It's all a process that is a part of their plan. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is an SEC West contender, but the template for success is being put in place by this staff.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

One other thing, there are a lot of really good athletes attending these camps, whether elite or not. I saw an O-Lineman from Oolagah, OK (who made it to the finals of the 4A football state championship this past season) who had to be every bit of 6-6 if not 6-7 and at least 270 who was very lean for a kid that tall, that was at this camp.

A big, red headed kid that looked like he could put on 30 pounds and it not phase him one bit. Not that this kid was a difference maker in this camp, maybe he was, maybe he wasn't, I didn't get to see the entire 3 day camp so I don't know how he turned out. But more and more, we are drawing better talent to these camps and the more we win, the better the quality of athlete that we will draw to these camps.

[bphi11ips]

One other thing, there are a lot of really good athletes attending these camps, whether elite or not. I saw an O-Lineman from Oolagah, OK (who made it to the finals of the 4A football state championship this past season) who had to be every bit of 6-6 if not 6-7 and at least 270 who was very lean for a kid that tall, that was at this camp.

A big, red headed kid that looked like he could put on 30 pounds and it not phase him one bit. Not that this kid was a difference maker in this camp, maybe he was, maybe he wasn't, I didn't get to see the entire 3 day camp so I don't know how he turned out. But more and more, we are drawing better talent to these camps and the more we win, the better the quality of athlete that we will draw to these camps.

You may appreciate this.  I heard the linemen worked out in RRS while the rest worked on the practice fields.  Probably had something to do with 7 on 7, but it's good to see the big guys get the red carpet treatment.