Jenkins, Kathleen Head to USF Sling & Shoot

Sat. July 21, 2012 at 1:36 a.m. | By Polk Preps Staff

By JUSTIN KLINE

LEDGER CORRESPONDENT

The University of South Florida's Sling and Shoot football camp is a very big deal in the Southeast and carries a hefty price tag. But that doesn't faze first-year coach Eric Gallon, who is determined to make the George Jenkins football team a contender.

"We're trying to get in position to compete in this county because there are some tough teams here," Gallon said.

The cost per team is $600, and that doesn't include the cost of hotel rooms, food and gas. Gallon has no problem with that because he believes the camp will be beneficial for the Eagles.

"We want to allow our kids to have the opportunity to compete, to get some exposure and build team unity," Gallon said.

The camp will also help the coaches determine who will be starting games in the upcoming season.

"Right now, no starting position on the team is set," Gallon said. "Everyone on the roster is going to get a chance to prove themselves and become a starter. Nobody has an advantage over another player right now."

The Sling and Shoot camp is a 7-on-7 passing tournament, and the largest of its kind in the southeastern United States. Each day begins with a coaches meeting, followed by an instructional session for players and coaches. After that, the football tournament begins. 

Out of the 48 teams that have signed up for the tournament, only George Jenkins and Kathleen hail from Polk.

Teams will play in a round robin tournament today at 11 a.m. in order to determine seeding, and the single-elimination playoff games will begin Sunday at 9 a.m.