By Andy Furman
NKyTribune staff writer
His address has changed the past several years – but Mike Polly’s heart – and love – remain right here in Northern Kentucky.
Polly is the new Assistant Offensive Line Coach at the University of Florida. Prior to that, he worked the same position at Georgia Tech.
Oh yeah, he worked as a high school coach at Good Pasture Christian School – a private school, in Madison, Tenn.
But the Dixie High School grad – and football alum – has never forgotten his roots. That’s why he continues to help as many kids as he can. The Mike Polly Youth Football Camp returns for a fourth consecutive year.
The free one-day session is set for St. Henry High School, Sunday, July 12 from 3-6 p.m..
Did we mention free?
But coach, why Sunday — the day of rest?
“We found this is the best day not only for our coaches, but families as well,” Polly told the Northern Kentucky Tribune from his latest stop, Gainesville, Florida – the home of his Gators.
“And, we do the camp during the recruiting-dead-period for college coaches,” he said.
A college recruiting dead period is a heavily restricted window set by the NCAA during which college coaches are strictly prohibited from having any face-to-face contact with recruits and their parents.
During this time, coaches cannot watch athletes compete, visit their high schools, or host recruits on campus.
That’s good news for the Mike Polly Youth Football Camp, since campers range from third eight graders.
“Last year we had over 250 kids for the one-day, three-hour session,” said Polly, who played his college football at nearby Georgetown College. “We have over 100 registrations right now.”
The staff – all volunteers – consist of about 20 coaches from high school, middle school, and some Wirth NFL experience, Polly says. And there’s not much rest during the 180 minuities —it’s work and well structured.
“We’ll start with basic skills and fundamentals; then move to offensive and defensive rotations,” Polly said.
The highlight of the camp are the championships – in Long Ball and Fastest Camper.
“All campers need to bring are athletic clothes and cleats,” he said. “We’ll have water, Gator Aid, a trainer, and three kids will get awards, T-shirts, and even dog tags.
“We make it a fun day.”
The older kids will participate in seven-on-seven drills, says Polly. “Its good preparation should they play high school football.”
Football Seven-on-Seven drills are non-contact practice sessions that focus exclusively on the passing game; featuring seven offensive skill players – quarterback, center, running backs, and receivers – against seven defensive players – linebackers and defensive backs. They are designed to refine timing, route running, and coverage strategies without the risk of lineman blocking or heavy contact.
Free – every year – organizing an event – why?
“I want to give every kid the opportunity to get excited about playing football. I know how I felt as a kid playing the game, and hope I can get these kids to feel the same thing.”
The address has changed – several times — but the one thing this Northern Kentuckian didn ‘t change — his love for football with his camp.