College QBs looking to learn just like high schoolers at Manning Passing Academy

THIBODAUX – Again this year, more than 1,000 high school skill position players have come to the campus of Nicholls State University to learn a little football from the first family of quarterbacks.

But the campers aren’t the only ones looking to glean some knowledge at the Manning Passing Academy. More than three dozen of the 130 camp counselors are in the same shoes Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning were in many years ago – college quarterbacks looking to take their game to the next level.

“You can always pick up small things,” Tulane quarterback Jonathan Banks said Friday at the annual MPA media session inside John L. Guidry Stadium. “It’s always a pleasure to be able to work with those guys.”

Lafayette native and Arkansas quarterback Cole Kelley has been familiar with this weekend for years.

“Growing up just down the road, everybody in Louisiana knows about this camp,” said Kelley. “I’m just trying to soak up as much as possible. Obviously, they’re some of the best to ever do it.”

Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham is focused on one part of the game when he visits with the Mannings.

“It’s not so much working on the physical tools,” Stidham said. “It’s more working on the mental skills. It’s not every day you get to be around Eli and Peyton and how they approach the game.”

The list of counselors isn’t just on the local or FBS level.

“I’m trying to just be a sponge,” said Easton Stick, who quarterbacked North Dakota State to its sixth FCS national title in seven years last season. “I’m just really fortunate to be down here and to pick their brain as much as I can.”

The list of counselors over the years can read like a who’s who of quarterbacks in the camp’s 23-year history. It’s a good bet that the counselor meeting room will feature one or two finalists for the Heisman Trophy come December.

The college counselors are also helping to teach the game. To a man, they had one message – have fun.

“You’re only in high school for four years,” said Stidham. “Live in the moment and have a good time.”

The traditional version of the Manning Passing Academy continues through Sunday, with the annual “Air it Out” competition scheduled for Saturday night on Manning Field inside Guidry Stadium.

But for the first time in 2018, the MPA continues into next week. The inaugural women’s seminar and camp – in which both youngsters and adults will learn the game – is scheduled for Monday night and Tuesday.

More MPA College QBs: