Many small town high school graduates put the place that they grew up in in their rear view mirrors when they receive their diplomas. But that isn't the case for one Fruitland native who loves to give back in more than one way. When Carolina Panther lineman Jordan Gross made it in the NFL, he realized that he wanted to give back to Fruitland, the community that made him who he is. So, he started the Jordan Gross Lineman Camp two years ago to help out players that are just like he was when he was in high school.
"Growing up there was a lot of passing leagues, a lot of skills camps. Quarterbacks and receivers had a lot of stuff that they can go learn from,"
Gross said. "I thought it was neat to get us lineman together. That's my area of expertise, I have a lot I can teach these kids. And it's fun to get to spend a day with these high school o-line kids. They kind of think like I do, and we have a lot of fun."
Having fun is the main goal, but the camp is also about teaching area lineman the skills that they need to get better at their position. Which is something that Gross, as well as his NFL teammates that help out, know all about.
"I think they'll help me a lot. It's helped me understand,"
Emmett Sophomore tackle Beau Rudd said. "I always thought I was a good player, and thought I was doing things right. I came to this camp and it opened my eyes about a whole range of things."
The camp benefits the kids as well as the Fruitland Athletic Department, which receives the proceeds to help pay travel and equipment expenses. It is also a benefit for the pro football player that hosts it.
"It's something I definitely look forward to every year. I love getting to spend time with the kids. I want to be a coach when I'm done, and it's nice to get a taste of it right now. It's fun time for me, and I feel like I benefit just as much as anybody else."
