Big names set for 2010 Manning Passing Academy

If you haven't registered for the 2010 Manning Passing Academy, you are too late! That is typically the case with the annual event which enters its 15th year. For the fifth year, this year's camp is set for Nicholls State University from July 8 through July 11.

The event began in 1996 at Tulane University before moving to Hammond and the campus of Southeastern University for nine years. The magnitude of the camp required more space which Nicholls State affords. The Manning family has improved John L. Guidry Stadium with Archie Manning getting AstroTurf donated by General Sports Venue in 2007 to improve the facility. The field is now known as "Manning Field."

The brainchild of Archie Manning, the patriarch of the Manning family, the event has become a can't miss camp for aspiring college and professional quarterbacks, wide receivers, tight ends and running backs. The event sells out early every year.

"I wish we could take more kids but it is difficult when you have so many instructors, security and dormitory space. We are fortunate to have such demand. We've got about 1,000 kids coming, quarterbacks and receivers from all over the country," said Manning.

Of course, the camp features a legacy unmatched anywhere--three NFL quarterbacks from the same family. Peyton Manning and Eli Manning are prime attractions and prime teachers at the camp while Cooper Manning, the oldest of the Manning brothers, plays a huge role as well. "Peyton, Eli and Cooper are their full-time every year. They are totally invested in the event," said Archie.

The 2010 Manning Passing Academy again features high school coaches, college coaches and assistants from various schools. "We have probably about 120 on staff this year. We always have a good time with the college guys who come in. The NCAA will let us have one player from each college," Archie said.

This year's featured college quarterbacks is a star-studded group which has Archie very excited. "This is the best collection of college quarterbacks we've ever had. We have Ryan Mallett (Arkansas), Andrew Luck (Stanford), Christian Ponder (Florida State), Jordan Jefferson (LSU), Greg McElroy (Alabama), Kellen Moore (Boise State), Andy Dalton (TCU) and Jerrod Johnson (Texas A&M). "Moore may break Colt McCoy's win record of 45 wins at a school before he is done," said Manning.

"All in all, we probably have 25 to 30 college players. We have some outstanding receivers as well. It's a very good group. I'm excited as well that my good friend Kenny Anderson is coming down this year. Kenny was a great NFL quarterback with the Cincinnati Bengals, leading them to a Super Bowl. He just retired from NFL coaching," added Archie.

Every camper receives a J5V football upon arrival in Thibodaux. They take home a free DVD of the 2010 camp when they depart. The popular "Air It Out" passing exhibition by the top quarterback instructors attending is set for Saturday, July 10 at 11 a.m. There are many good speakers from the college and professional ranks scheduled.

Having the camp in July guarantees that it is going to be hot--very hot! "We wait until we know it's good and hot," laughed Archie. "That's Louisiana. That's how we like it. That is home."

Perhaps it is a wrong sport analogy, but for those attending the Manning Passing Academy hit a home run. It is simply the best of its kind in the country. Having three Pro Bowl quarterbacks, including two who won Super Bowl trophies and Super Bowl MVP awards certainly helps. One (Peyton) is a four-time league Most Valuable Player. "I am humbled by the success Peyton and Eli have had and we feel very blessed," said Archie.