NAPLES — Ignition Athletics Performance Group held a speed training camp for youth football players at Barron Collier on Saturday afternoon.
Ignition is currently in Naples conditioning NFL prospects getting ready for the NFL combine at the end of this month.
Performance director Clif Marshall and his staff brought several prospects to BCHS to speak and coach the youth players.
“We’re going to work the guys on the same drills and the same fundamental techniques that we’re working the NFL prospects on — becoming faster, becoming quicker, more explosive, more agile, and just overall to become a better athlete,” Marshall said.
Among the prospects in attendance was Texas defensive lineman Sam Acho.
Acho, a two-time All-American, had a stellar senior year with 59 tackles (17 for a loss), nine sacks, 18 pressures, five forced fumbles and led the nation with five fumble recoveries.
“My whole career at Texas was awesome. I loved every minute of it,” Acho said. “We have the best coaches, the best fans, the best team. The whole four years was unbelievable.”
Acho graduated from Texas in December to focus on his training in Naples and improve his draft stock. He didn’t want to worry about online classes or homework.
“Colt McCoy really emphasized finishing school before you go to train,” Acho said. “I wanted to finish in December so I could have the entire spring to train and focus on that.”
Several mock drafts have the defensive end slated to be picked up in the second round. Acho is looking to improve that position performing well at the combine and Texas’ pro day.
There isn’t a specific team the Dallas native hopes to play for in the NFL.
“We have no control over where we go,” Acho said. “Whatever team picks me, I’ll be able to adapt to their system.”
Impressed with his off-field character, as well as athletic ability, Marshall brought Acho in to speak to the players about more than just being a football player.
“He’s a great athlete, but also a great guy all around,” Marshall said. “He’s won a number of awards for character off the field and for his academics. He’s a great student at the University of Texas.”
The Longhorn spoke to the approximately 100 youth athletes about the importance of loving what they do and stressed the importance of academics.
“I think passion for whatever you do is more important than technique or size or skill because if you don’t love the sport or game you’re a part of, then you aren’t going to be able to succeed at it,” Acho said. “No matter how good of an athlete you are, if your grades aren’t good enough, then you aren’t going to be able to play in college.”
Article Published in Naples Daily News, Posted February 19, 2011
