OWINGS MILLS, Md. – Stevenson University senior quarterback Dan Williams has already had the honor of being named D3football.com All-East Region, the MAC Offensive Player of the Year and has been recognized as a First Team All-MAC selection both as a sophomore and junior. Williams will now have the honor to be among some of the nation's best quarterbacks this month as he will serve as a college counselor at the Manning Passing Academy in Thibodaux, Louisiana, from June 21-24.
In its 23rd year, the Manning Passing Academy is an annual football camp organized by the Manning family (Archie, Peyton, Eli, and Cooper) to host more than 1,200 quarterbacks, running backs, receivers and tight ends to receive some of the best coaching in the country. Williams will be among other notable college quarterbacks from programs such as the University of Alabama, University of Georgia, University of Missouri, Purdue University, University of Washington, University of South Carolina and University of Tennessee to name a few; as they will act as counselors for the youth and high school players in attendance. An invitation to serve as a counselor is generally reserved for the best quarterbacks in the nation – mostly represented from the NCAA Division I level. Past counselors through the years include Andrew Luck (Indianapolis Colts), Jameis Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens), and Marcus Mariota (Tennessee Titans).
Aside from coaching at the camp, college counselors also have the opportunity to participate in personalized training sessions both on and off the field with the Mannings themselves as well as some of the best quarterback coaches in the country. The culmination of the training and coaching sessions builds towards the Riddell Air It Out and Nike QB Challenge on Saturday night of the camp, where all the college counselors get to compete in front of thousands of spectators at Nichols State's Guidry Stadium.
Williams had this to say about participating in this year's Manning Passing Academy: "I'm honored to have the opportunity to represent Stevenson University at this year's Manning Passing Academy. I would like to thank the Manning family for the chance to compete with other college players, and learn from many coaches. I am truly humbled to be selected and I am very excited and eager to coach the athletes there as well learn some things during the camp. Lastly, thank you to my family, Coach (Ed) Hottle and Coach (Ryan) Larsen for believing in me."
"Dan has established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the East Region, and we are happy that he was selected to work the Manning Passing Academy. In the classroom, on the field, and in the community Dan embodies what Stevenson University Athletics is all about. He will do a great job representing our program and institution" said head coach Ed Hottle, about Williams' selection to become a college counselor at Manning Passing Academy.
Mustang offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, Ryan Larsen will be serving as a quarterback coach at Manning Passing Academy for the second year in a row. "I am very excited for Dan to get the opportunity to represent not only our football program, but also Stevenson University at the Manning Passing Academy" said Larsen. "After being at MPA last year and seeing how the camp runs, I know that Dan will do a great job of coaching, competing with his peer college counselors, and most importantly will take advantage of the opportunity in front of him. He has earned the opportunity to do something very few small college QBs get to do, as he will be among the best of the best in college football from all levels."
Williams enters his senior year as the Stevenson all-time leader in every passing category. During Williams' career he has passed for 6,026 yards, 55 touchdowns, and completed 60% of his passes.
More information on the Manning Passing Academy, can be found on their website: www.manningpassingacademy.com
The Mustangs will open the 2018 campaign at home against Frostburg State University on Thursday, August 30th, with kickoff slated for 7:00 pm at Mustang Stadium.