Thursday, March 31, 2011

NFL players with USF ties expected at football camp at Belmont Heights complex

By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

TAMPA — Jarriett Buie has spent the better part of his life knocking down quarterbacks from Florida to Canada. But now the Armwood graduate impacts others in a different way.

Buie is spearheading the fledgling ADB Sports, which will hold its inaugural Tampa's Natural Talent football camp at the Belmont Heights Little League Baseball Complex April 22-23.

"This is a way to give back to the community," Buie said. "It's something I had thought about for a while, and I finally got the opportunity to reach out and make it happen."

That's not to say Buie, 25, has ended his quest to sack quarterbacks. The 6-foot-3, 250-pounder is a starting defensive lineman for the five-time Arena Football League champion Tampa Bay Storm.

"He's got nice hands and some good speed," Storm coach Dave Ewart said. "I think he's going to help us this year. Plus, he's a good kid."

Buie left Armwood after earning All State honors during the Hawks' 2003 state championship run. He went to the University of South Florida. After academic issues and injuries wiped out his first two years, Buie played well in his junior year before starting every game as a senior.

Buie wasn't drafted out of college but ended up in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' camp before being cut. He then played last season for the United Football League's Florida Tuskers before finishing the year with the Canadian Football League's Montreal Allouettes. Buie played the final game for Montreal, recording an interception and forced fumble.

"I used to go up and visit my brother (Chris) when he played at Virginia Tech, so I'm used to the cold and like it," Buie said of his time in Montreal. "They made an offer for me to come back next year, and it's something I'm considering. Right now, I'm just trying to stay in shape and be ready."

And that means getting his workouts on the turf of the St. Pete Times Forum while adjusting to the indoor game with the Storm. But Buie has plenty of help in learning the nuances of the AFL. He is one of six former USF Bulls on the roster.

"I was half expecting (former USF) coach (Jim) Leavitt to come walking through the door," Buie said with a chuckle. "It's great having all those guys around to learn from and talk about the past with."

Buie enjoys his time with the Storm, but his focus these days is on the upcoming camp he put together with former Hawk Demetrius McCray. The clinic, which is open to kids of middle and high school ages, will feature sessions dedicated to improving football skills, individual techniques and 7-on-7 competitions.

"There will be something for everybody," Buie said.

In addition to drills, campers will have the opportunity to learn and interact with some big-name National Football League players. Former USF stars Mike Jenkins (Dallas Cowboys), George Selvie (St. Louis Rams), Jerome Murphy (St. Louis Rams) and Tyrone Mc-Kenzie (Tampa Bay Bucs) are all expected to attend.

"It will be great to get all these guys back together to help out in the community," Buie said. "I grew up in the inner city, and I know a lot of these kids are looking for some guidance and direction. I just want to make a difference."

For information on the camp or to sign up, visit adbsports.com.

Brandon Wright can be reached at hillsnews@sptimes.com.

Source: http://www.tampabay.com/sports/community/nfl-players-with-usf-ties-expected-at-football-camp-at-belmont-heights/1160647

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