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THIBODAUX, La. – Nicholls State University hosted the Manning Passing Academy for the 16th consecutive year and not only does the event brings thousands of people to campus, but it can also bring a once-in-a-lifetime experience for members of the Colonel football team.
Nicholls quarterback
Chase Fourcade served as a camp counselor for the third time. The 2018 Southland Conference Player of the Year was also able to work alongside Peyton and Eli Manning once again while teaming up with some of the country's elite NCAA signal callers.
"It's fun. You have the top quarterbacks from all over the country coming to Thibodaux for a weekend to teach kids how to play quarterback," Fourcade said. "I know it's about football but at the same time, its about building relationships and connections with all the guys and I feel like everyone gets along great."
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Arron McKenney, the junior Colonel receiver participated in a few of the events as the Nicholls wideouts showcased their talents in special workouts and in the Saturday Night Lights Air-It-Out session. Eli Manning got things started in Air-It-Out with a pass to begin each round -- and McKenney was his target.
"It was unbelievable because it was someone I watched growing up. I never thought I'd be in that position to do something like that and have that opportunity," said McKenney, who had 179 yards receiving with a 13.7 ypc average last season. "It's a blessing to go out there and have a conversation with the greats, and be able to participate and actually catch balls from him. That's any kid's dream - something to mark off a bucket list."
While Fourcade is able to pick the brains of the Manning duo, which has combined for four Super Bowl championships, he has spent time as well working with and getting to know some of the NFL's youngest and brightest stars.
"I just try to take something their game. They talk about how they work every day and stay consistent," Fourcade said. "And it's neat to see the former counselors get drafted like last year there were five picked in the first round. When they were here, we all just hung out and talked like regular people."
Some of the counselors come in from all over the country, but including Fourcade, there were five collegiate quarterbacks who play in the Southland Conference. Joining Fourcade were Abilene Christian's Luke Anthony, McNeese's Cody Orgeron, Northwestern State's Shelton Eppler, and Southeastern Louisiana's Chason Virgil.
"I had never met a few of them before so being around them for four days and building relationships was nice," added Fourcade. "We weren't even worried about conference, just throwing the ball around and having a good time."
SEASON TICKETS
For season tickets to see the Southland Conference defending champion Colonels, call 985-448-4790 or visit NichollsTickets.com. Nicholls is coming off an undefeated season at home, capped with its first-ever playoff win in Thibodaux.
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