Mooresville's Linebacker University attracts aspiring linebackers across nation

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Linebacker University, in Mooresville, is a one-of-a-kind training camp for aspiring linebackers.

What started with just 10 campers in 2015 is now consistently attracting players from all over the country.

“All the players from all across the country coming in, it's just been an absolute blessing,” co-owner Matt Monroe said.

Linebacker University even attracted players from Canada.

Great having High School Football Extra, Big 22, WSOC sport anchor Matt Harris @MHarrisWSOC9 out to Linebacker University. Watch Saturday night 10pm & 11pm WSOC Channel 9 and Sunday night longer version at 10pm & 11pm. @wsoctv @philorbanWSOC9 @JALLpublicity @anticodalton pic.twitter.com/6of0ps3pjy
— LinebackerUniversity (@LinebackerCamps) April 28, 2018

Caden Caligiuri, an eighth-grader from Winnipeg, Manitoba, made the 22-hour trip to attend Linebacker University for the second time.

"We're trying to get to college in the states, and NFL, so that’s really what we're training for,” Caligiuri said.

Owners Monroe and Antico Dalton cover everything from fundamentals to film sessions, and even keys for success off the field.

[LINK: Information on Linebacker University]

Monroe said he started Linebacker University because there are not many camps designed specifically for the linebacker position.

“There’s a lot of competition camps, but there’s not a lot of skill training within the camps,” Monroe said. “What we wanted to do was break it down for players from a skill level so they could come in for an entire three-day period and get all the skill training they could ever want.”

The owners also talk about staying out of trouble off the field.

"That's another thing we talk about here at camp. You gotta keep your grades straight, gotta stay outta trouble. That's the main thing,” Monroe said.

Monroe said it is gratifying to see relationships develop throughout the camp.

"Being able to help people and doing it in this type of environment, you know, you just feel like you wanna be a servant type of person in this business,” Monroe said.

Monroe said he tries to keep the camps small, so each player can get personal attention.

“We’re not looking for a camp of 500,” Monroe said. “We’re looking for a camp of about 25 players where we can really get to know them and their families and help them while they're investing in the weekend.”

Cox Media Group