BUFORD — Buford football is more than used to the spotlight -- from collegiate coaches and the media, alike.
But this is something new, even for the Wolves.
The newness of collegiate satellite camps have piqued interest of coaches and players across the nation, and Buford will allow local athletes the opportunity to take part firsthand and be evaluated by nine major collegiate programs when the school hosts the Buford Football Southeast Satellite Camp on June 13.
"I think this is just going to be a fun thing to do," said Wolves head coach Jess Simpson, who will host the event at the turf fields adjacent to Tom Riden Stadium. "I'm a little curious myself as to what it's going to be a like, and I love the challenge of trying to pull this off. It also creates a buzz, and it's neat for the kids who come out to know that they don't have to travel all over the country to be seen by some really big programs."
While in-state programs Georgia and Georgia Tech will be on hand, the Bulldogs and Yellow Jackets will be joined by coaches representing Alabama, Maryland, Miami, Michigan, N.C. State, Tennessee and Wake Forest.
Simnpson also stated that members of the Georgia State, Kennesaw State, and Chattanooga staffs will be attending the camp, as will Matt James, head of Nike Football and the Elite 11 Camps for Nike.
"We had several coaches reach out to us and ask if we could do something like this, and then we reached out to a few more. Who knows how many (college programs) we could have gotten in here? But this is probably enough," Simpson said. "We have such an unusual venue here that it just made perfect sense."
Athletes that put up the $30 registration fee will get the opportunity to perform under the watchful eye of collegiate coaches, as they compete in a series of events. Simpson said roughly 100 players have pre-registered as of Monday but expects a brisk walk-up registration on Monday.
"It will be similar to combines and camps held by some of the recruiting services," Simpson said. "You'll get your weight, height, legitimate 40 times, vertical jump heights and conduct speed work drills, as well as a number of other drills -- and major college coaches will be doing it."
The decision to hold the camp only became reality two weeks ago, and Simpson -- despite the rigors of planning the event -- is excited at the prospect.
"I don't know if it's something I'd want to do twice because of the logistics involved, but we're looking forward to putting on a first-class event," said Simpson, noting that it may not even be up to Buford to do so again in 2017 as the debate over satellite camps continues amongst NCAA members. "Who knows -- I'm not even sure these types of camps will be here a year from now."
NOTE: The camp will last from 3-6 p.m. at the turf fields located at 2750 Sawnee Avenue. Players may pre-register at www.bwolvesfootball.com to guarantee a spot. ... Walk-up registration begins at 1:30 p.m.
