Jon Gruden to appear at Marcum football camps

There is one surefire way to enhance the status of a football camp.

Produce a big-name speaker.

In that regard, Tim Marcum has succeeded.

The Storm coach, who is trying to stay busy with the future of the Arena Football League in limbo, will host a series of camps in June. At one of the sessions, former Bucs coach Jon Gruden, who recently was named as a host of Monday Night Football, is expected to take part.

“That’s a big deal,” Marcum said.

The non-contact camps will focus on skills, fundamentals and techniques inside the St. Pete Times Forum.

“It should be fun,” Marcum said. “I’m looking forward to it. Where else can you get instruction inside with air-conditioning?”

Athletes will receive training from high school, college and professional coaches, along with current professional athletes. The list of those expected to coach people up includes Robert Weiner, a two-time state championship coach at Plant, Orlando Predators coach Jay Gruden, Storm quarterback Brett Dietz and AFL legend Lawrence Samuels.

Gruden, who led the Bucs to a Super Bowl title but was fired in January, will be the camp’s guest speaker June 7, Marcum said. He will give insight on how to become a successful athlete.

Here’s a camp breakdown:

• Camp I: June 6-7 -- 25 QBs, 25 WRs and 25 DBs (ages 15-18)
• Camp II: June 8-9 -- 25 QBs, 25 WRs and 25 DBs (ages 10-14)
• Camp III: June 10 -- All positions except QB, WR, DB and K (all ages)

Prices to attend vary. Parents and guests are welcome to attend all practices, film sessions, etc.

“I don’t care if you’re 40,” Marcum said. “If you pay, I’ll coach you up the best I can.”

For more information, email staff@timmarcumfootballcamps.com or go online to www.timmarcumfootballcamps.com.