California Showcase helps 113 football players find college homes

There are many things former UCLA coach Terry Donahue is proud to be a part of. The California Showcase ranks high among them.

The annual event, which connects high school football players with NCAA Division II and III and NAIA programs, helped more than a hundred players obtain scholarships or financial aid packages this fall.

Players participate in a one-day camp each February, where they’re put through drills by former NFL and college players and coaches who volunteer their time. Scouts from 49 schools attended the camp last year.

“It is an opportunity to help a lot of kids continue getting their education and play this great game of college football,” Donahue said. “We have so many issues in this country right now. Getting kids to college, getting them an education is certainly one of the most critical elements in improving our society.”

Donahue said 113 players from the 2014 camp received scholarships and financial aid packages totaling $2.6 million this fall. Another 26 were placed at the community college level, receiving a total of $217,000 in financial aid.

“About half these kids come from poor families, many are on federal lunch programs,” Donahue said. “They will be able to get jobs, live a better life, make better decisions. That’s done through football and all the lessons football teaches.”

The camp is free. The next one will be held Feb. 21, 2015, at StubHub Center.