Stronger than Family: IMG Academy Football | The Brotherhood, Episode 2

Fall camp at IMG Academy isn't just a late summer training opportunity for student-athletes before classes begin. When IMG Academy football checks in for camp in late July, student-athletes recognize that they're entering into a program that's produced NFL Draft picks, top Division 1 stars, and national award winners. They understand that these several weeks before the academic year commences aren't just about getting back into shape; it's not just about taking an additional course before the school year starts; it's not just about beginning to understand the team's plays and routes.

It's about brotherhood, about their teammates, about their family.

Watch episode 2 of the Brotherhood presented by Xenith to see just what it looks like on campus when IMG Academy football hits the field during fall camp.

As soon as student-athletes settle into their dorm rooms and onto the field for practice, they know it's time to work. For junior safety, Kamari Wilson, he knows that he misses his family at home, but he's grateful for the strong bonds he's forming on campus in Bradenton. Teammates and classmates become family, and he understands that his time at IMG is invaluable. 

"Everybody has the same mindset as me. They're working hard just like me, and that really just motivates me to work even harder; being around all of these great athletes - it's just really a brotherhood, and we can grind together." - Kamari Wilson

For senior quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, this season is all about improvement, fine-tuning his mechanics, and gaining even more confidence. He's already committed to Michigan, so these moments are all about preparing for his next steps. He's focused on that "never enough mentality." Regardless of if he's mimicking plays, repping out sets in the weight room, or forming stronger relationships with his teammates, McCarthy is all-in on the 2020 season. 

"At the end of the day, it makes us so much better, and we're all going to bond together and become a part of this brotherhood." - J.J. McCarthy

The program, which includes the National, Varsity, and Post-Graduate teams, recently became aware that competition would be a go in just a matter of weeks. Upon that announcement, in addition to the pre-season No. 1 ranking, motivation kicked in. The clock is ticking towards that first whistle, and IMG Academy football, along with Wilson and McCarthy, couldn't be more eager to showcase what they've been working towards during fall camp.

Stay tuned for future episodes of The Brotherhood as we look ahead to the rest of the 2020 football season. Click here if you're interested in checking out IMG Academy football, including program structure, accomplishments, and more.