Chase football player takes part in NFL quarterback's camp

Chase High School quarterback Braxton Jones prepped for the upcoming season recently by taking part in the Russell Wilson Passing Academy.

Held at NC State University, the football camp is for all positions. The purpose of camp is to help children ages 8 to 17 develop the fundamental skills of being a great football player through instruction and to promote the mental and physical development of youth.

"It was really exciting to get to meet one of the greatest guys ever," Jones said of meeting Wilson, who is quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks. "He helped just about every position on the field."

The five-hour camp was intense, and campers played in 100+ temperatures. More than 400 campers took part, and only five awards were given to participants. Jones received the Leadership Award, which he was presented because he hustled every play, stood out among his peers and had great determination.

"I want to take the game as far as I can," Jones said. "I started playing when I was 11."

The rising junior is just as determined off the field. Jones said he plans to have enough credits by the end of the first semester of his senior year to graduate early. Then, he plans to attend college where he can "further my education and play football."

"If football doesn't work out, I want to be a doctor," he said.

In addition to football, Jones is a member of the Chase High swim team. He is the son of Allison Jones of North Myrtle Beach and the grandson of Doug and LeeAnn Jones of Forest City.