Todd B. Stadium in Newport News was the host to Arizona Cardinals NFL cornerback David Macklin and the second annual 27 Reasons football camp. The two-day event, that started Friday morning and ended Saturday afternoon, allowed camp participants to learn the fundamentals of football from NFL players, college coaches, and high school assistants. The camp also focused on SAT strategies and the NCAA requirements to participate in college sports.

"It's a way to giveback" said Macklin, a 1996 graduate of Menchville High School. "It gives the players a chance to talk to different guys and coaches. We want to show them that it takes hard work to be successful and the classroom is a big part of that." The 7-year NFL pro also answered questions from the participants and signed autographs.

Two sessions were held, with the athletes divided by age groups. The youth division was held in the morning and a high school session was held in the afternoon. The players did exercises, worked on individual position drills, and competed in 7-on-7 scrimmages.

Several local High School players attended the camp including Gloucester LB, and University of Virginia recruit Aaron Taliaferro, Gloucester QB Tommy Reamon, Jr., Woodside QB Marcello Chevalier, and Menchville QB Rakeem Kersey.

Macklin and Colts safety Michael Doss worked with the receivers and defensive backs, demonstrating proper footwork and pass coverage techniques. Arizona Cardinals Offensive Guard Elton Brown worked with the lineman, while Atlanta Falcons Jamin Elliott, who won a Superbowl ring with the New England Patriots, worked with the receivers.

"I learned a lot" said Menchville High School QB Rakeem Kersey. "It was a good camp."

All proceeds from the camp went to support the 27 Reasons Foundation; a non-profit organization that helps children who are labeled "at risk" or have been separated from their father and/or family and helps them become positive citizens in their community. The number 27 represents David's jersey number with the Cardinals.

For more information on the organization, visit www.27reasons.org.

Will Garlick has recently joined the VirginiaPreps.com staff and will be working in the Eastern Region primarily within the Peninsula District for both football and basketball. Will's primary focus will be on game recaps and reports.