TOLEDO, Ohio –  Like any athlete looking to go from good to great, Toledo quarterback Dequan Finn is constantly looking for ways to improve his game. So when the opportunity to attend the Manning Passing Academy came along, Finn jumped at the chance.
 
The Manning Passing Academy, established by former NFL quarterback Archie Manning, is a youth football camp in Thibodaux, La. that annually invites selected college quarterbacks to serve as counselors. Finn could hardly believe it when he got his invitation.
 
"Archie Manning called me on my cell phone to invite me to the camp," said Finn, a communication major who will have sophomore eligibility this fall. "I was kind of in shock."
 
Finn was among approximately 35 college quarterbacks who served as counselors at the camp from June 23-26. The daily routine included coaching youth and high school quarterbacks in the morning, throwing sessions in the afternoon, and "Air it Out" competitions in the evening. Finn said he was able to pick up valuable tips from the camp's coaches, which included former NFL superstars Peyton and Eli Manning, as well as from many other coaches and fellow counselors.
 

"It was awesome. I tried to soak up everything I could," said Finn, who threw 18 touchdowns against just two interceptions for the Rockets in 2021. "I got to meet all the Mannings, from Archie and Peyton and Eli and Cooper, down to Arch. I learned a lot on the field and in the meeting rooms. We worked on reads and coverages, and also mechanics, like weight transfer and timing. I picked up a few tips on play-action and putting air into long passes. It was very helpful."
 
Toledo co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Robert Weiner added that an experience like this is an important part of Finn's journey to maximize his potential.

"DQ is a relentless processor of the game and is continually looking for growth to become the best quarterback he can be," said Weiner, who previously served on the staff of the Manning Passing Academy for 10 years. "Four days of immersion in the unique world of quarterbacks, being around the Mannings and your peers from around the country who perform at the highest level, that's an unbelievable experience."

Finn said that while meeting and learning from the Mannings was a thrill, he also made important connections with other quarterbacks from around the country. Bryce Young (Alabama), Spencer Rattler (South Carolina), Stetson Bennett (Georgia), Will Levis (Kentucky), Anthony Richardson (Florida), Hendon Hooker (Tennessee), Mike Wright (Vanderbilt) and Ty Thompson (Oregon) were among the some of the players that Finn shared notes with and competed against during the "Air it Out" sessions.
 
"I met a lot of guys and made some great connections," said Finn. "I was picking their brains, getting new ideas. I plan on staying in touch with some of the guys, for sure. Learning from those types of guys can only further your knowledge."
 
Finn and the Rockets open their season with a pair of home games vs. LIU (Sept. 1) and UMass (Sept. 10) before heading to Columbus for a nationally televised night game vs. Ohio State on Sept. 17.
 
Full season ticket options are also still available starting at just $70 and include all six home games and parking. Single game football tickets will go on sale on July 13. 

To order, stop by the Rocket Athletic Ticket Office, located in the Sullivan Athletic Complex at Savage Arena, go online at UTRockets.com or call or text 419-530-GOLD (4653).