Words and pictures by Kaleb Jennings, UConn Journalism
August 29, 2025
The Tyler Booker Camp is a youth football camp created to develop the future of Connecticut football hosted by 2025 NFL First Round Pick and New Haven native Tyler Booker at the Hopkins School in New Haven, Connecticut in June 2025.
Youth football players ranging from middle school to high school players compete and develop their skills on the field at the camp. Booker, whose experience playing at elite football programs such as the Alabama Crimson Tide and IMG Academy, provided insight into the game in ways the youth players had never heard before.
Focus was a major lesson taught at the camp. Booker emphasized keeping eyes focused on the ball during any assignment on the field.
The June 2025 camp allowed for downtime between drill sessions for the kids to have fun and throw around the football, and experience the fun of the game that got them so invested in the first place.
As an offensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys, Booker primarily focused on helping the kids striving to be lineman improve in their blocking/rushing technique.
The weather was very hot during the camp with temperatures in the mid 80s in June. These conditions added another element to the development of these young football players, fighting through the heat and continuing to work hard.
Coaches from other high schools in Connecticut volunteered at the Tyler Booker Camp to help teach players in other football positions such as running backs. In the running back drills, they focused on being able to make quick changes in direction while maintaining ball security.
Tyler Booker told the campers that throughout his time in high school, college and now the NFL, determination is what keeps him going. He encouraged the players to never give up on a play on the field or whatever obstacle is preventing them from reaching their goals.