Even before running a route as a Scarlet Knight, Louisa County’s Dyzier Carter is already giving back to the community that helped shape him, and doing so on his home turf.

The former Louisa County High School standout wide receiver and 4-star Rutgers University commit hosted a free youth football camp Saturday, May 16, at the county’s new turf fields. Through a partnership with Louisa County Parks, Recreation & Tourism, the event welcomed more than 70 young athletes for a day centered on foundational football instruction.

Open to children ages 7–13, the clinic focused on core fundamentals rather than position specialization, emphasizing proper stance and start technique, footwork efficiency, hand-eye coordination, throwing mechanics, ball security, and change-of-direction movement. Athletes rotated through drill stations designed to reinforce repetition and form, with each participant receiving a personalized Combine Card tracking performance throughout the day. The camp concluded with a non-contact scrimmage, giving players a chance to put instruction into practice in a game-like setting.

For many, the camp also carried the excitement of being among the first to use the county’s new turf facility. Thirteen-year-old Keegan Lee Browning, who plays cornerback and tight end, came to the camp looking to improve his catching skills, and also left with a notebook full of takeaways.

“The new turf field is really good, except when I fell it hurt a little because we were not wearing pads, just shorts,” Browning said with a laugh. “I learned drills I can use at home and good tips from Dyzier and Savion [Hiter].”

Browning, AKA “Skinny”, said he was grateful simply for the exposure, and is anxious to perform under the Friday night lights.

“Coach [Patrick] sees me at football conditionings and I can show him that I’m worthy for the JV team this coming season,” Browning stated. “I’m so ready to play in The Jungle. I have played there for the [Louisa Youth Athletic Association] in the past, but yes, The Jungle games be on a different level.”

The camp drew attention from across Central Virginia, with families, coaches, and media members observing sessions in order to witness the next generation hit the gridiron.

Rob Otey, an Orange County native and founder of Spotlight 39, attended to document the camp and support his friend’s effort to invest in younger athletes.

“I first met [Dyzier] as a freshman at the Louisa vs. Massaponax game. I was completely blown away by the pure athletic abilities of someone his age,” Otey said. “I think anytime someone is able to give back to their community and provide an experience to the youth to help guide them not just in athletics, but life in general is such a big deal and always a win. More importantly, it gives the youth someone to look up to as a positive role model.”

Otey’s platform, Spotlight 39, has grown into a large football media outlet covering high school athletes through film breakdowns, game highlights, feature articles and live streams. It was founded in memory of Central Virginia athlete Darius Minor, who committed to the University of Maine in 2018 but died shortly after arriving on campus from an aortic dissection. Otey also operates the nonprofit “39 Hearts,” which hosts an annual cleat drive for student-athletes.

Otey conducted video and photography of the camp, stating that he was also impressed with the overall quality of the field.

“I’ve traveled the country and I’ve been on many fields — this was a very nice quality turf field that provided a great surface for the camp.”

Several former high school players and current coaches joined Carter on the field to help run drills, including Louisa County High School varsity football coach Will Patrick.

Patrick said it was meaningful to see a former player support his home in this way, and was proud to have coached Carter during his tenure with the Lions, a period in which he helped claim several Jefferson District Trophies.

“Dyzier Carter is giving back to his community. He hosted his first camp today in Louisa and it was a great success,” Patrick shared. “I am beyond proud to have coached him.”

Carter spoke with CBS19 about the motivation behind hosting the camp locally and what it meant to him growing up in Louisa County.

“Growing up in Louisa, there’s not a lot of camps going on around here…The Mike Brown camp was one that I always went to in Charlottesville, so I just thought I’d bring it somewhere close to home,” Carter said. “I hope they just be great at everything they do and be 100% with everything they do, and just keep chasing dreams.”