Having the opportunity to travel across the country during the course of a summer, visiting football camps and combines, the one thing that I have noticed the past few years is the way this economy has prevented some promising prospects from attending events that will help them further their career as an athlete.

With colleges now tightening their belts during these tough times, it is evident that any additional way for athletes to push themselves and gain exposure is going to be helpful when seeking those elusive and precious scholarships.

I have long said that when it comes promoting athletes and giving the young men and women a huge advantage in showcasing their many talents, the BCAA has stood alone. In the state of Florida, there is no community that comes close to making dreams come true. Nationally, the BCAA has created a blueprint for success.

Last week, the BCAA embarked on something that was totally unique and well thought out. A pre-summer camp that gave every football player the opportunity to attend an instructional camp free of charge. The entire week was devoted to making sure athletes, who normally couldn't afford the experience, had the chance. It was well received with hundreds taking full advantage of this chance.

From skills events at Lockhart Stadium to a lineman camp at Northeast High School, every football player who wanted to gain that edge, had the chance to learn from some of the top coaches around. It was something held in June that will go a long way in benefitting these young men over the next year.

"The experience was one that these kids deserve," said Damian Huttenhoff, who has been one of the most progressive administrators in the nation over the past decade. "We wanted everyone of our athletes, who would never have the chance to experience a summer camp, to come out and learn and gain that edge."

Huttenhoff has been someone that I have so much admired for the way he approaches the promotion and development of our young student/athletes. His quest to promote student/athletes is something that has not gone by without notice. As I travel across Florida, the BCAA is viewed as one of the most progressive and proactive organizations. People take notice of all the things that they do make lives much easier.

The football camp last week was one that drew attention from people across Florida. I received calls from other areas who were impressed that a camp was available, with first class coaching and other advantages for free. In a time when $350-$400 is the norm for such events, the BCAA member programs had the opportunity of a lifetime.

While many things are being taken away from young men and women through the ongoing cutbacks, it's refreshing to know that the BCAA and all those hard working people are still around making life a lot easier for some very talented athletes who love the game and want to continue playing at the next level.

REMEMBERING THE TITANS
If you've been reading this column the past few weeks, and I know many of you continue to respond to me with thanks for helping to promote the local football programs, we have been spotlighting different programs, heading into summer.

Today, we introduce you to a respected friend and playing/coaching product of the Broward County School system who is looking to turn things around in Davie.

Bill Hobbs has learned the sport of football from some great coaches over the years. When he was give the opportunity to build Cypress Bay from the ground up, he responded by giving the school a huge running start. After a year away in Georgia, Hobbs returned back home last year to build the Nova program up, and with his own recipe for success, he has given the Titans plenty to look forward to.

While the Titans did finish 2-8 last season, this year, competing a very tough District 16-5A, Hobbs is optimistic with a senior class that boasts offensive standouts Dondetrick Barnes (RB, 6-0, 165), Arione Scott (WR, 6-1, 170), Antonio Tucker (WR, 5-11, 150), and linemen Kennedy Allen (6-2, 290), Sylvester Warner (6-3, 310) and Quinten Lambert (5-11, 260).

Defensively, there is plenty of talent as well with Khavis Allen (DT, 6-4, 290), Kwayne Glaze (DT, 6-0, 280),
Cameron Hartley (LB, 6-0, 230), Brandon Owens (LB, 5-10, 175), and ends Alex Morris (5-11, 185) and Zach Thames (6-0, 170).

The Class of 2011 is also promising for the Titans with linebackers KaShawn Butler (6-0, 185), Nile Lawrence-Stample (6-1, 260) and Steven McBride (6-0, 180), and defensive end Eddie Oliphant (6-1, 175).

On offense, receivers Gio Campbell (5-10, 175) and Trey Twitty (5-11, 175), running back Terrell Walker (5-9, 165) and lineman Cameron Pennant-Issacs (6-0, 235).

While looking into the future, the Class of 2012 will be something to keep an eye on as well. Running back Sherrod Williams (5-7, 170) and receiver Kawaine Codner (5-11, 170) are going to be very good over the next three years. So are linemen David Clark (6-2, 265) and Darius Rachel (6-2, 250). On defense, linebackers Raymond Morris (5-9, 155), Jacolby White (5-9, 170) and Warren Whyte (5-9, 170) are certainly the future. So is cornerback Keith Brown (5-8, 150).

NEXT WEEK: We will continue our exciting summer football coverage with news you will not find anywhere else!

You can reach Larry Blustein via e-mail at FloridaKids1@hotmail.com. He can also be heard every Thursday night (9-10) on the Miami Dolphins High School Gridiron Report on WQAM (560 AM).