The Demetrious Johnson Charitable Foundation has proven to be a stellar contributor to our community on both sides of the river.
On Saturday, May 16, my friend Demetrious Johnson will host a “History In The Making” 2015 HBC College Football Expo, along with the Airport Marriott Hotel. The football combine will be held at Gateway Tech High School (5101 McRee Ave.) in South St. Louis.
At press time, 16 historically black colleges and universities, including the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Southern University, Lincoln University, Bethune-Cookman, Alabama A&M, Grambling State University, Lane College and Texas Southern University will be in attendance.
The camp will be open to high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, graduating seniors, prep schools and junior college players.
Volunteers from the Demetrius Johnson Charitable Foundation will conduct the drills with the participants. The drills will consist of 40-yard dash, agility drills, catching passes and footwork drills among many others.
It is the first time that HBCU schools have converged in St. Louis at one time to work out potential players looking for the HBCU football experience.
“We as a community have to step up to the plate and give our student athletes who may have the ability an opportunity to play at the next level,” Demetrious Johnson said. “It’s an opportunity for that diamond in the rough, sort of. Let’s face it, everyone can’t play in the SEC or Big Ten conferences, but they can play at Lincoln University or Pine Bluff.”
He added, “The volunteers, along with the St. Louis Marriott Hotel and the Demetrius Johnson Charitable Foundation, would like to thank all the Universities and their coaches for coming to St. Louis to be a part of this historical expo.”
Johnson also stressed that the event will involve much more than playing football.
“It’s an event, not just about football, but about the game of life for these young men as well,” he said. “We won’t just talk about football. We will also discuss what it takes to play college football on and off the field and in the classroom as well. In addition, it gives an opportunity for some young man who may have been overlooked during the regular recruiting process.”
Each participant will need a parental consent form, as well as a participation waiver. The Demetrious Johnson Charitable Foundation always has the kids at heart. And even for DJ, he may have outdid himself while pulling off this historical event.
For more information, call the Demetrious Johnson Charitable Foundation at (314) 367-4141.
East Side pride
Congrats to four former East Side standouts who signed free agent NFL contracts this week. Former East St. Louis Flyers Ty Phillips and Anthony Pierson signed with the Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears, respectively. Cahokia High and Mizzou’s Jimmy Hunt signed with the Green Bay Packers, while Belleville East product Warren Herring signed with the Atlanta Falcons. Good luck to all you guys!
