Cass Tech five-star WR Donovan Peoples Jones shared his concern over the NCAA banning satellite camps and the loss of exposure for many kids.
“I have been blessed, by God, with tremedous opportunities to showcase my athletic ability. I have also benefited greatly from the exposure that satellite camps provide. These camps have allowed me to compete against the best, all while doing so in front of the best coaches in college football. The ‘Sound Mind Sound Body’ camp was the first, and biggest, facilitator for youth exposure. I started going to this camp in middle school; and I cant stress enough how much this camp has developed me on and off the field. This camp has taught me very essential life lessons that have helped solidify my foundation today. I was very fortunate enough to have a great group of family, friends and coaches who have guided and supported me throughout my years of playing football. Unfortunately, many athletes in Detroit don’t have the same background foundation as I was blessed with. These are the kids satellite camps like ‘Sound Mind Sound Body’ has the greatest impact on. Going to camp like this was the easiest way to showcase my ability to college coaches from all over. I have never been in a place where the WHOLE STAFFS (from colleges like the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Ohio State University) were in attendance for the camp. Detroit isn’t the only city that is being harmed by the new NCAA rule. I know they’re many other cities that are now struggling because kids aren’t getting recognition they deserve. By not allowing college coaches to be on hand at events like ‘Sound Mind Sound Body,’the NCAA is curshing many kids’ dreams and killing their futures.
Peoples-Jones isn’t the only Detroit native upset with the NCAA after its recent decision.