Instant Reaction: Anthony Van Curen Football Camp

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yesterday on Sunday, June 2, 2024 I had the privilege to cover Fairleigh Dickinson University Head Football Coach <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachAVC_FDU">Anthony Van Curen</a>‘s Footballl Camp, hosted on the beautiful campus of Fairleigh Dickinson University at Madison. Simply put, this event was a absolutely awesome. In the midst of a very popular camp weekend where locally both Rutgers and Marist hosted competing camps, Van Curen managed to host over 500 prospects, roughly 65 colleges, well over 150 college coaches, and just one member of the media - me - who will be bringing you the exclusive media coverage of the event.<br><br>My exclusive coverage of the event begins with an instant reaction piece, sharing and reflecting upon my impressions of New Jersey's premier college showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Still the Kingpin of Local Events</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I had the chance to personally speak with Coach Van Curen at the event where he explained to me that he was somewhat weary of changing event from weekday to a weekend. He spoke and received feedback from his peers across levels, Van Curen pulled the trigger and went for the gusto. As Rutgers hosted one of their camps the same day and Marist hosted the day before, cannibalizing <em>only some</em> participation in the process; however, I would be hard-pressed to imagine the other local events topped this. In my opinion this was addition addition-by-subtraction and led to an improved event from one year ago.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Coaches, Coaches, and Coaches</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With my unofficial count of 35 universities and better than 150 college coaches in attendance, several things occurred. First, prospects received intimate, rep-by-rep instruction from college-level coaches during the combine, in indy, during group, and throughout live 1-on-1s. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>High school coaches are clear supporters of this event, many opting to bring their team's prospects by the busload. A few programs that stood out, in terms of participation, where: Paramus Catholic, Cardinal Hayes (7), Eagle Academy for Young Men II (7), Immaculata (8), Piscataway (8), Teaneck (9), Seton Hall Prep (9), Rahway (9), Elizabeth (10), West Orange (10), St. Peter's Prep (11), East Orange (12), and Union City (17). With their head coaches on-site and encouraging their players, high school coaches had the opportunity to sell their prospects to colleges live and in-person, make contacts, and invite them back to campus. Most importantly, at the time of me writing this I know of two scholarships offered that were earned based off of camp performances yesterday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">"The Transfer Portal has Changed Everything"</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A popular phrase uttered by those in the industry today. Irreverently, Van Curan's camp is not immune to the transfer portal's reach. Different from last year, current college athletes participated in this event in hopes to find their next home. There were a total of, at least, 26 college sophomores-or-younger in attendance looking to transfer, half of which that currently are enrolled at Sussex County Community College. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When I learned of this I was about 5050 in favor vs. opposed. After some pensive thought I arrived that I am in favor of this. First, more opportunities for more kids; and second, if a high schooler manages to son a grown man a college prospect... Offer. Him. Now.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Specialist's had their Time in the Spotlight</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At last year's rendition of the event, it took what I would describe as an intermission from the positional action to give specialists the floor. Brilliantly done, I recall one kicking prospect earning an offer from Georgetown on the spot. This year, Van Curan made it so the specialists did not have to share the limelight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the event's tail-end specialists had the main field all to themselves in their own specialist segment. Unfortunately, I did not get to see this through as I was late for my Aunt Helen's 75th birthday party (love you Aunt Helen). Never the less, I am certain this component of the event was first in-class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->