DJ Kidd runs through a drill at Evan Neal's football camp in Okeechobee. (Photo courtesy Daniel Kidd/Lake Okeechobee News)

OKEECHOBEE- Former Okeechobee Brahman and current New York Giant Evan Neal was back in his hometown on June 8 to host a football camp for local youth.

The kids taking part in the camp were coached through football drills by the NFL-level talent, participated in a few races, one-on-ones, and a tug-of-war competetion. Four girls flag football teams competed in a tournament during the camp, Pahokee, Jensen Beach, Lincoln Park and Fort Pierce Central.

The camp was open to boys and girls from grades 1-12. Admission was free and included lunch, a shirt, and autographs and pictures with Evan Neal.

Neal played his freshman year for the Okeechobee Brahman football team before transferring to IMG Academy in Bradenton in his sophomore year. Although it wasn’t an easy decision for Neal to leave his hometown and high school football team, ultimately IMG offered the best chance of being chosen by a Division I college.

Neal  announced his decision to attend the University of Alabama at a press conference in the Okeechobee High School gym and was a key component of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team that won a national championship in 2020

Neal was selected by the New York Giants in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. On the red carpet on draft night, Neal sported a coat with an image of Lake Okeechobee.

Evan Neal [Courtesy Giants.com]