Weldon native Cedric Jones plans a return home late this week and the Duke University Hall of Famer, New England Patriot wide receiver and National Football League staffer is bringing football friends with him.

And Jones says you, too, area youth, can meet, interact with and talk to these gridiron standouts.

The You Can Too Foundation invites male and female youth ages 6 through 14 to register for its Third Annual Football Camp on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the TJ Davis Recreation Center in Roanoke Rapids.

You Can Too Foundation Vice President Matt Hux, who is leading planning efforts, said the camp is a fun way to fulfill its mission of inspiring youth in the Roanoke Valley to achieve through academics and athletics.

“Cedric has contacts everywhere, his phone holds an NFL Hall of Fame list,” said Hux. ”He reaches out to these contacts and they commit early because it’s helping kids. Cedric has a lasting reputation with these guys.”

Walter Jones, Roanoke Rapids High School player, Duke University wide receiver and Chicago Bears player, will join his brother for the camp. 

Visiting coaches include:

Tielor Robinson (RR High, Greenwich High, West Point, Duke University FB)

Cameron Jones (Greenwich High, Duke University RB)

Ben Bennett (Duke University QB, Arena Football League, Arena Football League Hall of Fame)

Tim Bumgarner (High Point Central High, Duke University OL, Birmingham Stallions)

Dennis Tabron (Bunn High School, Duke University Captain DB, two-time All-ACC, Chicago Bears)

Josh Tresvant (All State basketball and football in Arkansas, Duke University WR)

Dwayne Ellis (Weldon HS LB, Retired U.S. Army)

Travis Burgess (All-State in Georgia, led his high school team to state championships in football and basketball, Elite 11 QB participant, currently University of North Carolina QB)

Bryce Weaver (D.H. Conley High, two-year letterman at ECU, started the games this year at offensive line)

Mike Atkinson (Princeton High, Duke University RB)

Zac Atkinson (Hillside High, Bridgewater College, Greensboro College WR)

Hux said this camp allows area kids a personal opportunity to hear the stories, see the paths and learn life lessons of the visiting coaches because many share similar small town roots.

“The kids will discover that you don’t have to come from a big city to go all the way,” he said. “These coaches may help our youth see if they stay on it and out of trouble, they, too, can go places and find success. All of them are open to mentorship or anything they can do to help these young people.”

Hux said the camp is free and open to kids from Halifax, Northampton, Warren and surrounding counties, an event where community and corporate sponsors generously show their commitment.

“Our first responders will be there to keep us safe and hydrated,” he said. “And the kids will get to run through a spray of cool water from a fire hose at the end.”

Hux recommends participants wear athletic clothes and sneakers and bring a water bottle. Each student player will go home with an event t-shirt.

Campers will grow in football skill development through drills and fun competitions set up in stations and bookended by water breaks that are led by former and current professional college players and coaches.

To register for the camp, visit G.W. Hux Insurance, 111 Roanoke Avenue, Roanoke Rapids or call 252-537-7770.