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Former Kent State University standout defensive back Josh Pleasant has joined forces with his grade-school friend, West Virginia University alum, Herve Doliska to establish the Rising Athletes Football camp. The football camp will be available to sixth through 12th graders and will be held in Rockville, Maryland on December 26 and 30 at the Rockville SportsPlex.
The idea of conducting this camp for the youth came to the two young men when they both realized coaching was something they had a passion for. Pleasant and Doliska were raised in the Montgomery County, Maryland area and saw the opportunity to give back and took full advantage.
“We are holding the camp to share our knowledge of the game of football and life lessons I have learned along the way. There are so many reasons kids quit school and quit playing sports. I want this camp to be the reason at least one kid pushes through, hopefully all of them,” said Pleasant.
The camp will include combine drills and timing for the participants, as well as competitive one-on-one opportunities and position drills for all skilled positions such as quarterback, running back, wide receiver, defensive back and linebackers. The camp is more than just about on-field training, though. The participants will also receive first hand knowledge and information from other former collegiate athletes and guest speakers.
“We’re able to provide some information for the athletes to get a step ahead and prepare for the next level of football. As a high school football coach now, I’m learning the ropes of recruiting. I also have a good amount of information on not only what they need to get there but what college and high school coaches expect when it comes to strength, speed, size and so on,” said Doliska.
The Rising Athletes Football Camp will be the first camp held by the duo of Pleasant and Doliska but that does not mean the two are short of experience.
Pleasant was an All-MAC cornerback for the Golden Flashes in 2011. The speedy defensive back ended his four-year career with 199 totals tackles, six interceptions and three forced fumbles. Recently, Pleasant has joined the Chicago Rush of the AFL and recorded 38.5 tackles and two interceptions in his 10 contests. Pleasant also donates his time as a defensive back coach at his alma mater Watkins Mill High School.
Doliska graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor’s degree in MDS. Doliska is currently working as a personal trainer in the Miami, Florida area. The West Virginia grad has established himself as a notable name with his own website and athletic gear at GetFitWithHerve.com. Doliska also contributes his time as an assistant defensive backs coach at North Miami Senior High School.
More former athletes and coaches should try to do the same and reach out to help educate and critique the skills and knowledge needed to help keep young men on the right path. As a whole, communities need to support more programs like the Rising Athletes Football Camp and other camps just like it to help provide guidance and support to the kids who need it most.
Brandon Martin is a Chicago Bulls writer for www.RantSports.com Follow him on Twitter @PressCoverage_ or add him to your Google Network
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