Houston combine attracts stars
Houston-based sports agent Brian Overstreet celebrated his sixth annual NFL Back to Camp week with a two-day instructional combine for local inner city kids.
Overstreet, who represents the likes of Pittsburgh Steeler Casey Hampton, Green Bay Packer Robert Ferguson, Green Bay defensive end Mike Montgomery and Packer rookie Johnny Jolley, linked the present and the future on the campus of Texas Southern University.
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"So many kids want to go to football camps during the summer, but can't afford it," Overstreet said. "We put this together every year so that local kids can come and learn from some of the pros. Heck, we've got two Super Bowl champions here."
While the majority of campers were youth footballers, some of the Greater Houston area's top college prospects were participating and receiving instruction for the pros.
The nation's top receiver, Terrance Toliver was getting tips from NFL receiver Ferguson, while future Texas Longhorn defensive end Russell Carter was rubbing shoulders with the likes of Longhorn great Shaun Rodgers and Hampton.
"We know that kids look up to us and that's why we do this," Hampton said. "I would have loved to have some of my favorite professional athletes teach me the game. I come to this event every year and get a lot out of it."
Hampton, the Galveston Ball graduate who has played six seasons in Pittsburgh, won his first Super Bowl last year. However, he didn't have his ring on display.
"Pittsburgh has some intense fans," Hampton said. "I love it there and it seems like where ever we go, they follow. Sometimes our away games feel like home games. "
Also on hand were Baylor commits Jacody Coleman (Westbrook), Loyce Means (Madison), Westbrook athlete Billy Chavis and Texas City running back Jarvis Carraway.
"It's been a good camp," Tolliver said. "It's good to work out with some of these pros who really know what it takes to get to the next level."
Tolliver also attended the Manning Passing Academcy and was seen catching balls from LSU's JaMarcus Russell.
His recruiting process still revolves around quieting rumors.
"My coach asked me if I had committed to LSU," Tolliver said. "I repeat, I'm not committed to LSU. I am going to Miami later this month."