By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

Patrick Jackson had an idea, and he knew just who to call to execute it.

West St. John’s former star rusher wanted a way to assemble the children of the Edgard community and do something positive for them.

“Since I got out of school, I’ve been brainstorming,” said Jackson, who last season concluded a strong collegiate career at Louisiana Tech. “I’ve been back down here, wanting to get these kids together and do something for them.”

One such way, he surmised, would be to hold a football camp to help local kids learn the fundamentals of the game, helping them keep active and interested. It could also be an avenue to help teach them about life, to help point them in the right direction as much as he could.

He also knew a couple of friends that could help out.

Tyson Jackson and Quinn Johnson, current NFL players with the Chiefs and Packers, respectively, won a state championship with Jackson at West St. John, and each was more than happy to lend a helping hand when asked.

Last month, they did just that at West St. John, as the trio of former Rams hosted a two-day football camp that gave local kids a chance to learn football fundamentals and ask questions.

“I thought it was a great idea. I had wanted to help out in the community before going off to camp again, and Patrick talked about potentially hosting a camp,” said Tyson Jackson. “I think it was vital in a lot of ways. You see them getting interested in football, keeping them fit and active, instead of sitting inside playing video games.

“The main thing was, I wanted to get together with them before (NFL training) camp,” Patrick Jackson said. “I had the idea, slept on it, then pitched it to them the next day. They were all for it.

“It was a good chance for the kids to learn about the fundamentals of the game and also of life. About staying in school and overcoming obstacles.”

Patrick, who is in the process of getting certified to become a personal trainer, has been involved with MACS, or Men About Changing Society, a youth outreach group. He says that success in athletics is not the only thing for the camp goers to admire about the two pro stars.

“These are guys that grew up where they did, who went to school, worked hard, and became successful. It’s not just about the NFL, but being positive figures in their eyes,” he said.

The camp included agility drills and positional breakdowns. The players taught proper footwork, and the kids got to play seven-on-seven.

“For some of the older kids, you want to help them improve their technique, help their game as a whole for when they play at that junior high and high school level.,” Tyson said.

“They had a chance to go out and have fun,” Patrick said. “And after that, it was what we called ‘Star Time.’”

‘Star Time’ was a chance for the kids to ask questions to the two NFL stars.

“They were able to ask whatever they wanted, and find out how they got to where they are,” said Patrick. “The NFL guys help keep the kids interested in athletics.”

“How fast can you run, who was the fastest running back you’ve faced,” said Tyson. Stuff like that.”