Courtesy of PRISM Press Group. Written by Jordan Loperena. Photo Courtesy of James Hensley.
Introduction: PRISM Press Group Covers USF's Youth Impact Program
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"They're used to me now, they're like 'Ok, that's George'."
Those were the words of University of South Florida two-time First Team All-American George Selvie on the relationship he has formed thus far with participants in the First Annual USF Youth Impact Program.
Do you know how many grown adults would like to have an "Oh, it's just George" type of relationship with a two-time All-American Football player, let alone any Division I NCAA athlete? Those kids lucky enough to be involved with the USF Youth Impact Football Program have been provided the opportunity to do just that, and are apparently appreciating every moment of the experience.
"I like the program . . . I think it's a really good program getting kids [underprivileged] to come play football, do some learning during the summer ... and actually [have] us in the classroom to be there with them and [teach] them," says USF's star defensive end.
Selvie also talks about the reaction the kids participating in the camp have had to this point, stating, "I see them really reacting to it and they love going out there and playing football." "We can impact these guys at a young age," he continues. "Right now, they're looking at us, they see us on TV. Of course, they like NFL players, but someone that's already in college, closer to their age, they really look up to us."
As if Selvie's comments on the camp didn't praise the Youth Impact Program enough, I had the opportunity to talk with four other USF Football players who also spoke very highly of the camp as well. Senior wide receiver Jessie Hester, safety Nate Allen, punter Delbert Alvarado and wide receiver Dontavia Bogan all had great things to say about their experience with the USF Youth Impact Program.
Hester, son of former NFL Wide Receiver Jessie Hester, Sr. noted about the Youth Impact Program, "It gives the kids a chance to interact and show them another side of life than what they're living back home."
When I asked Allen about his thoughts on the event, he responded similarly, commenting, "It's been great giving these inner-city kids some good influence and just being mentors to them and showing them all the good opportunities that are out there, being able to give them something to do to stay out of trouble. It's been really good so far."
Alvarado mentions that he can "see the difference, that we help them to understand the importance of school, the importance of wanting to be an athlete, and the steps it takes to get there and I think a lot of them, for the most part, are really grasping it. In the end, it would be cool to look back and see some of these guys playing Division I football someday."
Alvarado also added, on a more personal note, that he "had a lot of mentors in high school that helped me when I was struggling with my grades and time management, so I know personally the impact it had on me having people that cared for me and tried to lead me in the right direction . . . It's going to end up benefitting them and being the best for them in the end."
Alvarado's personal experience truly seemed to highlight the impact that a program like this can have on its participants - for, when speaking with him, I couldn't help but bring up the approaching kickoff to the 209 football season, to which Alvarado was quick to point out the goosebumps he got on his arms from just talking about the program-changing games of past seasons, exemplified by the memorable 21-13 victory over West Virginia in 2007.
Bogan mentioned he felt things "started off a little slow, but we've got it back on track. It's going really well, everybody's been loving the kids. They've been progressing day by day . . . They've been doing good not only in football, but in the classroom [as well]."
