NFL linebacker, former State College standout Nate Stupar holds camp benefiting foundation

New Orleans Saints linebacker Nate Stupar signed jerseys, shirts and footballs — and shook plenty of hands — on Saturday afternoon at Memorial Field.

Stupar, a State College native, had no qualms with any of it. Rarely did his wide smile fade.

“This was just about giving back to the kids,” the former Penn State standout said. “That’s what State of Hope is about.”

At his old stomping grounds, Stupar hosted “Training Camp 2017” — a full-day football clinic benefiting the State of Hope Foundation, established by the NFL linebacker and his wife, Marissa.

A three-hour morning session for 9 to 13-year-olds was free, while the afternoon camp for high schoolers had an entry fee. All proceeds went to the State of Hope, which provides children of low income Centre County families with positive life experiences.

Stupar was joined by a cast of volunteer coaches, including his brother Jon, a former Buffalo Bills tight end.

Close to 30 area high schoolers attended the afternoon camp. Switching from offense to defense and vice-versa, the final hour was spent doing 7-on-7 drills — which produced Stupar’s favorite moment of the day.

The linebacker put an entirely new defense out against the offense, and the unit nearly picked off the first play.

“It was awesome because we only talked to them for 10 seconds about the defense, and they played it to perfection,” Stupar said with a smile. “That’s the heart of the kids we’re dealing with. They listened, visualized it and did it.”

The campers had as much fun as the Saints standout did.

Bald Eagle Area sophomore Gage McClenahan learned new routes and kept his ears open when the staff spoke up.

“We were around everyone who’s been where we’ve always wanted to be,” McClenahan said. “Everything they said, you just soaked in.”

Kael Gardner, McClenahan’s teammate at BEA, added: “When you can talk to someone from the NFL one-on-one, it means a lot.”

That’s why Stupar made sure to huddle the players up before everyone grabbed their things, escaped the heat and caught rides home.

The former Little Lion preached work ethic and keeping eyes fixed forward, avoiding off-the-field distractions.

Stupar, a seventh-round draft pick in 2012, didn’t have it easy getting to the NFL. But his presence at Saturday’s camp gave the players a glimpse of what’s possible.

“It gives them a message of hope,” Stupar said, thinking about other State College products who went to the NFL. “There’s going to be a next Nate Stupar, Jon Stupar, Larry Johnson, Jordan Norwood. You never know who’s going to be the next person. You just want to give them an opportunity to shine.”

This story was originally published June 24, 2017 at 8:17 PM with the headline "NFL linebacker, former State College standout Nate Stupar holds camp benefiting foundation."