Prep football: All-Poly Camp hard-hitting

Summer football camps are crucial for soon-to-be seniors and juniors in high school to be seen by college coaches and recruiters. They are showcases for prospects to go up against the best talent from around neighboring states and the nation.

For nine years, Bountiful assistant coach Alema Te'o has held the All-Poly football camp, and in each successive year he has seen the camp grow into a showcase for players of all ethnicities to be seen by coaches from around the country.

Although it is the reason the kids come, the camp is not just about football, and Te'o knows that he has a captive audience, and therefore an opportunity to stress the importance of education and responsibility.

In addition to football

drills, the All-Poly campers have to participate in an ACT test-prep course. They also are briefed on NCAA clearinghouse rules, which can be a bit of a nuisance if prospective players are unfamiliar with the regulations.

"This is a camp for football that also prepares you for life as well," said Te'o. "We want every kid that shows up here to get into college, regardless if it is for football or academics."

Many colleges from around the nation were represented during the event June 18-20, including Utah, Brigham Young, Utah State, Boise State, UNLV, Stanford and the like.

The camp is full contact, a rarity in summer camps. Because it is full contact, the coaches can teach the fundamentals of tackling and blocking. It also means there is no hiding out there. Players will have to bring it every day or risk the possibility of being shown up or embarrassed.

The downside of full contact is the possibility of injury, but the upside is that the players can get real work in and measure themselves against some of the other top talents at the camp. It can be an invaluable experience for players who are trying to make a name for themselves.

One of those top talents is BYU signee and class of 2010 Under Armor All-American Brandon Kaufusi. The 6-foot-8 defensive end from Timpview has attended the camp for the past three years, and his dad, Steve, the BYU defensive-line coach, donates his time each year to help at the All-Poly camp.

"It is a great place to get your work in during the summer when most kids are just hanging out," Kaufusi said. "Having it in Utah makes it even better because it is so close to home and the familiarity with the staff makes it easier for me to just go out there and perform."