Waylon Prather and Harlan Prather are well-known names in Santa Cruz County. The San Lorenzo Valley High graduates — Waylon in 2003 and Harlan in 2006 — both went on to illustrious football careers in college, and Waylon is trying to sign with an NFL team as a punter.
Next month, the brothers will run a one-day, noncontact offensive and special teams football camp at Cabrillo College on June 18.
They want to share their knowledge with aspiring county football players ages 7 to 17.
“We really want to help local kids learn the game the right way,” Waylon said. “People quit because they’re not taught properly. When you constantly fail at things, you’re going to give them up.”
The brothers have recruited a long list of local stars to coach at the camp, including NFL defensive back Dwight Lowery, a Soquel High graduate, as well as SLV graduates Matty Kiel, Nick Johnson, Brian Davilla and Jimmy MacIntosh, all of whom play or played offense at the college level.
The Prathers will also bring in Scotts Valley High graduate and former star running back Kyle Hardwick; decorated Watsonville High grad Ryan Saucedo; former Aptos High and U.C. Berkeley quarterback Brian Van Meter; and several special teams players who starred at San Jose State, all-American kicker Jared Strubeck and San Francisco 49ers long-snapper Matt Wigley.
“I wanted to get guys who have played at a high college level and know what it takes (to be successful),” Waylon said.
Cabrillo College head football coach Bill Garrison will oversee the camp.
Waylon said the camp is for players of all skill levels.
For younger children, the coaches will teach each offensive position on the field. For more experienced players, the coaches will refine technique and talk about how to succeed in high school and at the next level.
“(Campers) will have personal time with these guys that you would otherwise never know or meet,” he said.
At a glance
• WHAT: Prather Football Camp for offensive and special teams skills
• WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 18
• WHERE: Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive, in Aptos
• COST: $50, includes lunch and T-shirt
• INFO: www.pratherfootball.com
