Carrollton, Texas – On June 10th, Hebron Hawk (Brian Brazil) Stadium in Carrollton, Texas, played host to the highly anticipated 5th annual Wise Big Man Camp.
This premier football camp was specifically designed for offensive and defensive linemen, aiming to enhance their techniques, physical prowess, and mental fortitude. As an onlooker who had the privilege of scouting the camp firsthand, I witnessed a day filled with excitement, intense competition, and invaluable development opportunities for the participants.
The Wise Big Man Camp attracted some of the most talented high school and college coaches/athletes from the Dallas Fort Worth area, making it a highly sought-after event for aspiring linemen. This year’s camp featured renowned coaches and influential figures, both on and off the field, including:
Deatrich Wise Jr. – Defensive Lineman for the New England Patriots
Daniel Wise – Defensive Tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs
Darius Philon – Former Defensive Lineman for the Arizona Cardinals
Dustin Stratton – Former Offensive Lineman for the Dallas Cowboys
Kyle Fuller – Offensive Lineman for the Denver Broncos
Shaun Smith – Retired NFL Defensive Tackle
Seth McBride – Lewisville High School Coach
Solomon Wise – Linebacker for the USFL
The camp focused on refining both run and pass fundamentals, ensuring that participants received comprehensive training from experienced professionals. Moreover, the presence of popular social media influencers dedicated to Texas high school football added an extra layer of motivation, inspiring young athletes to pursue college opportunities through their online platforms.
The Wise Big Man Camp provided a holistic experience for participants, offering various benefits and opportunities for growth. The camp included combine-like measurements conducted by MUV metrics, allowing participants to gauge their performance and compare it to industry standards. In addition, evaluations were conducted by prominent sports platforms such as 24/7 Sports, On3 Sports, and scouts from the Adidas All-American Bowl, further enhancing the exposure and potential recruitment prospects for the talented linemen.
The day at the Wise Big Man Camp followed a structured and efficient process that facilitated seamless transitions between activities. The camp took place at the state-of-the-art Hebron Hawk Stadium, which provided ample space for the campers and staff to move between stations effortlessly. Here is a breakdown of the day’s proceedings:
Check-In: Players began by checking in, either through online registration or as walk-ups on the day of the camp. The organizers formed groups to ensure a smooth transition as campers made their way to the field.
Swag Bags: Upon check-in, participants received swag bags containing exclusive “Wise Big Man Camp” gear, adding to the overall excitement and sense of camaraderie.
Measurements: Players proceeded to have their height and weight recorded by MUV Metrics, providing them with valuable data about their physical attributes.
Player Profiles: Each participant had the opportunity to have their headshot taken by a professional photographer, which would later be featured on the Wise Big Man Camp website as part of their player profile. Additionally, players could take 360-degree photos for their Instagram profiles, showcasing their experience at the prestigious camp.
Breakfast: To ensure the players’ energy levels were at their peak, the camp provided a delicious breakfast courtesy of Chick-fil-A. The breakfast menu included their signature chicken biscuit sandwich, a fruit cup, and refreshing orange juice.
Group Photos: Participants took group photos alongside the dedicated staff of volunteers who went above and beyond to accommodate not only the players but also their families. These memorable moments captured the spirit of the camp and the collective enthusiasm of everyone involved.
Warm-Up and Tradition: After the photos and refreshments, players engaged in warm-up exercises to prepare their bodies for the upcoming drills. A notable tradition at the Wise Big Man Camp was the “Wise Big Man Camp” chant, led by Deatrich Wise Sr., creating an atmosphere of unity and motivation among the participants.
Drill Stations: The highlight of the camp began with players being divided into 12 groups and sent to their first drill station. Some players embarked on combine-like drills, including the 40-yard dash and agility tests, with their results meticulously analyzed by MUV Metrics. Others were split based on their offensive and defensive line positions, working with experienced coaches in various stations dedicated to improving their technique and skills.
Intense Competition: Grade-level matchups provided an opportunity for players to showcase their abilities in head-to-head battles against their peers. The competition was fierce, fueling the players’ desire to excel and impress the watching coaches and evaluators.
Continuous Evaluation: Throughout the camp, players were under evaluation by the coaching staff, scouts, and sports platforms present. This comprehensive assessment aimed to recognize talent, identify areas for improvement, and potentially open doors to further opportunities for the participants.
Conclusion: The day’s activities concluded a little after 1 pm, with players having given their all on the field. To wrap up the camp, lunch was provided to the participants, ensuring they replenished their energy after an intense day of training and competition.
The 2023 Wise Big Man Camp proved to be another resounding success, fostering the growth and development of linemen from across the region. Participants not only received top-tier coaching but also valuable exposure through measurements, evaluations, and social media coverage. The camp’s dedication to creating a positive and inclusive environment, along with the professionalism of the staff and volunteers, contributed to an unforgettable experience for the players and their families.
As the camp concluded, the linemen left with enhanced skills, new connections, and the confidence that they were one step closer to achieving their football dreams. The Wise Big Man Camp continues to be a pinnacle event for linemen in Texas, and its impact on the development of these athletes will undoubtedly be felt for years to come. To stay up to date with the latest Wise Big Man Camp news and information sign up for our newsletter today.