NORFOLK (WAVY) – The line leading into Powhatan Field for morning registration stretched an entire block, almost around the L.R. Hill Complex on the campus of Old Dominion University.
Close to 600 high school football players braved the heat to attend ODU’s satellite camp, hosted by Monarchs’ head coach Bobby Wilder and quarterbacks coach Ron Whitcomb. Hundreds of coaches, representing 57 programs across Division I, II and III were on hand, but none with the star power of the man wearing the khaki pants in near-90 degree temperatures.
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh made his second trip to Norfolk in the past three years, hoping to maybe catch a glimpse of the next star player.
Harbaugh and Wilder have formed quite a collegial relationship, and both believe in the benefit of these camps, for both coaches and players alike.
“The biggest one is coaches come to the youngsters,” said Harbaugh.
“They don’t have to pay hundreds of dollars to go to a camp, and travel there, hotel and food and that kind of thing. That’s the biggest thing.”
Wilder adds, while saving costs, players get a chance to get more bang for the bucks they do spend. “(Recruits) can come here today, for one camp and meet 57 different universities. So, I think this is important we continue to do this at the level we’re doing,” he said.
Wilder will still host three more satellite camps, and is expecting more big names from powerhouse programs, including Penn State head coach James Franklin.
