Former Tennessee quarterback Josh Dobbs said on Saturday he wanted to show kids how much fun football can be with his local camp.
"Football is a very complex game and people can make it very complex, but when you come on the field, just have fun," said Dobbs. "Growing up playing the game, so you should enjoy doing it anytime you get the opportunity."
A group of Vols came together to help out with the camp, including former teammate, Brett Kendrick. The offensive lineman signed with the Detroit Lions after the NFL Draft, but was recently cut. However, he tells us, he will be playing with Dobbs once again, this time in Pittsburgh. Kendrick would be the seventh former Vol on the Steeler roster.
"There's even more Vols there, you've got Cam and Vickers and Big Dan and Justin Hunter, they must like Tennessee players up there or something," said Kendrick.
"The Steelers are that team that gives everyone an opportunity," said Dobbs. "If you come in and play and you put up results on the field, they're going to give you a chance to make the team. So I'll show him that example and make sure he's geared up and ready to go on Tuesday to take advantage of his shot."
Two current Tennessee players, redshirt senior Todd Kelly Jr. and redshirt sophomore quarterback Jarrett Guarantano, joined Dobbs today as well. Kelly said the VFL provides a fantastic example of how to make a difference in the community use your platform as a student-athlete for good.
"You know, whenever my guy is in town, one of my best friends, I've got to support him in anyway," said Kelly. "Just hearing about him giving back to the youth and Emerald Youth Foundation lending out the field to him was an honor and a privilege. Just seeing all the kids having fun, being young and being kids, that's what it is all about."
Both Kelly and Guarantano said the football team is coming back to Knoxville and working out together. Guarantano is ready to hit the field.
"I definitely feel more confident in my abilities, the coaching staff has definitely helped me out," said Guarantano. "Everybody is just ready for fall camp to start, we're able to compete against each other and just get the thing rolling."