JACKSON, Miss. — Matthew Peters initially was overwhelmed with meeting Hal Mumme.
Mumme, considered the father of spread offense, recently welcomed attendees from around the South — including Florida, North Carolina and Texas — at the Jackson campus to learn the fundamental aspects of the position.
"He’s one of the greatest offensive coaches, and coached so many NFL players; other teams and coaches have copied his play style,” Peters said.
But any uneasiness felt by the Davidson Middle School student — among few selected individuals who attended Mumme's Air Raid Quarterback Camp at Belhaven University — quickly subsided. "… Coach (Mumme) was so helpful and worked with me individually," Peters said. "He really seemed to care about everyone (at the camp)."
All quarterbacks worked together on drills geared specifically for primarily pass-oriented offenses, yet some of the camp's more spirited time had players competing in accuracy and depth-perception throws in various situations. “These are the same drills I used when I was coaching high school or at (the University of) Kentucky,” Mumme said. He coached prolific quarterbacks including Jake Mullin, who passed for more than 12,000 career yards, and 1999 No. 1 National Football League draft pick, Tim Couch.
Campers also were instructed on breaking down film, reading defensive schemes and media training. “Social media has encompassed our day-to-day lives, and many athletes need to understand the negative aspects of their posts and online actions,” said Ryan Meyer, Belhaven's offensive coordinator and quarterback instructor in the Air Raid camp.
Peters, while mainly focusing on his throwing mechanics and defensive read techniques, also was put through “mock” interviews and media training.
It all paid off.
“Matthew was our most improved quarterback,” Mumme said. “I believe he is going to be a great quarterback.”
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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Peters, Davidson Middle School quarterback, attends Air Raid Camp