“This academy is not a camp or football combine in disguise.  It is called an academy for a reason.  Often times there are football camps and clinics that promote the well rounded experience for participants but underneath it all it’s all about football.  This is an academy that ensures each participant receives leadership training, life skills sessions, a goal setting workshop, NCAA recruiting/eligibility rules 101 and most importantly a mentor for life.  The Sound Mind Sound Body Football Academy is not a one time weekend opportunity if the participant plays his cards right.  Mr. Hasan, with the Lifting as we climb foundation, and Mr. Blackwell, with Think Detroit PAL, have a team of professionals that volunteer and invest their time in young people not in the event itself and that is what makes all the difference!  However, you better believe that participants will leave this experience with a better understanding of where they stand athletically and what they need to do to get better.” 

~Eric A. Wood

~Director of Student-Athlete Programs & Compliance, The Atlantic Coast Conference

“The Sound Mind Sound Body Football Academy provides a unique and valuable experience to the participant’s academic and athletic success through the quality of professionals that are involved with the program. The SMSBFA takes a genuine interest in developing the total person athletically and academically which allows the participants to be placed on a path to reach their full potential as a growing member of society. The participants are able to learn athletically from current and former NFL players on the field, and seasoned professionals in academic professions off the field. The skills that are received are immeasurable. Lifting As We Climb and Think Detroit PAL have provided a model that a lot of urban communities can follow to maximize the potential of the youth residing in their areas.”

~Art Hightower, San Diego Chargers

"The Sound Mind, Sound Body Football Academy arms our young people with essential knowledge about the college experience and beyond. Football careers are just a fraction of one's life and how you prepare to take on life's challenges will determine the role you play. The camp gives former and current athletes and coaches an additional chance to share their experiences with inner city youth. Success stories and stories of failure are told to help guide those who need an additional hand. It's also necessary for our kids to see people investing time and resources in the community."

~Ron Rice, Former Detroit Lion and President, Retired NFLPA-Detroit Chapter

"Sound Mind Sound Body is at the forefront of helping bringing inner-city kids to the attention of recruiting entities like Scout.com, and by extension major college football programs across the country.  It's an essential event for us because it gives us the opportunity to see all of the area's best talent at one time, in one place.  But the greater benefit is to the kids that attend. Not only does it introduce young men to the possibilities of intercollegiate athletics, it also provides comprehensive instruction on the steps that need to be taken in order realize them."

~Sam Webb, Go Blue Wolverine, Magazine Editor

"I believe Sound Mind, Sound Body’s Football Academy is a unique and essential experience for young men to participate in.  The chance to have current and former professional athletes work with these young men on and off the field is something that is priceless.  Furthermore, to also have professionals and experts in the fields of college and professional sports administration takes the campers experience to a level that other camps cannot provide.  The athletic and educational experience is critical for any student-athlete to be successful.  Sound Mind, Sound Body’s Academy provides this platform.”

~Anton E. Goff, Associate Athletic Director - University of Maryland

"I believe the sound mind sound body camp is more than just about football.  I believe that it helps set the values needed for these young men to be successful in whatever arena they want to pursue in regards to life after high school. The football part plays a role because it teaches you about hard work, dedication, perserverance and team work which are all essential things to becoming a successful individual. It helps them progress to college by educating not only the kids, but the parents on what is needed through the NCAA guidelines.  The camp also gives these young people a up close look at what it takes to get to the next level. By the people that serve as camp directors, counselers and speakers that work with them throughout the camp.  Therefore, helping to set the foundation that is needed to move forward and upward after their high school careers are over."

~Chris Singletary, Recruiting Coordinator, University of Michigan

"The Sound Mind, Sound Body Football Academy affords inner city kids the opportunity to not only be coached by current and former NFL stars, but it also broadens our kids perspective on collegiate and professional athletics.  The NFL players give of themselves unconditionally for the academic & athletic advancement of our inner city kids.  As a high school coach I appreciate the Sound Mind, Sound Body Football Academy because its affordable and our kids don't have to travel long distances to be evaluated by college coaches. This football academy teaches student-athletes to balance academics and athletics."  

~Rod Oden, Head Football Coach, Detroit Crockett High School