Zac learns from Mannings
Cowboy also enjoys camaraderie with college QBs at passing camp
Zac learns from Mannings

By Andrea Cohen

Published: July 21, 2008

Both were counselors at the Manning Passing Academy, a quarterback camp run by Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning in Thibodaux, La. In addition to gathering tips from the Manning brothers, Robinson said he enjoyed spending time with the other 15 or so college quarterbacks working the camp. Robinson said he and Stafford "kinda jawed a little bit” about playing in 2010.

"All of us really hung out — Brian Hoyer from Michigan State, Curtis Painter from Purdue, Stafford, T.J. Yates from North Carolina, a bunch of guys,” Robinson said. "It's a lot of fun to hear how they do things where they are and how it compares to what we do here.”

Of course, the most precious information came from the Manning brothers. Getting to pick the brains of two Super Bowl MVP quarterbacks is a rare opportunity, and the college quarterbacks took advantage. While most of the four-day camp is geared toward the 1,000 or so high school campers, Peyton and Eli met with the college players separately and gave them a chance to ask questions.

"We asked so many questions I can't even remember them all specifically,” Robinson said. "We got to pick their brains and just see how they approach the game and how they do the little things — how they watch film, what NFL defenses are running. They were filling us with so much information we can use. They were real nice, they treated all of us great and just gave us some inside info on different things.”

The college quarterbacks also imparted some wisdom to the campers.

"It's actually a lot of work,” Robinson said. "I went there not thinking it was going to be that much work. I thought we were just going to kinda stand around, but we wake up in the morning and we're basically the counselors for these high school kids, teaching them different drills. Then you have a team at night and do 7-on-7.”

Robinson said his station for drills was working with campers on movement — likely not a coincidence as Robinson is a noted running threat.

OSU co-offensive coordinator Gunter Brewer was also at the camp, and Robinson said Brewer was his ticket in.

"It's an invitation, and coach Brewer's known the Mannings for like 20 years, so I had my in that way,” Robinson said.

Robinson said that in addition to theoretical and mechanical advice, the Mannings also recommended some different ways to go out with a receiver and run routes.

But the Cowboys' quarterback said he hasn't had a chance to give them a try with any of his receivers since returning to Stillwater last week.

"Not yet,” Robinson said after last Thursday's voluntary workout. "We've been working too hard to do any extra stuff right now.”

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