Zone Read: Pinnacle All-Access at Camp T

Up front, tt’s a group which features an experienced offensive line. The headliner is massive 6-foot-7, 304-pound Notre Dame commit, senior tackle Elijah Paige, as well as a core of talented juniors to team with him.

The skill talent is deep and productive. Running back Jacobie Rucker (11 touchdowns in 2021 as a junior), the before mentioned Robinson (the state’s overall top 2023 recruit), as well as fellow senior and future college baller, wide receiver Myles Libman (870 receiving yards, nine touchdowns last fall), will keep the chains moving this fall.  

11:24AM – Libman, the younger brother of former Pinnacle standout Marcus Libman, now a junior wide receiver at Columbia, is wearing one white cleat, and one blue cleat, as he chats with teammates following the conclusion of PHS’s first full morning practice.

So, of course, “Zone Read” just had to ask.

“It’s kind of just a style thing. Just being different because that used to be one of the biggest things. Everyone used to compare me to Marcus. So I would find every way to be different. So that’s why I changed my hair, then I would change my cleats. But now I kind of like being compared to Marcus because I really respect his game and how he played.” – Myles Libman

12:03PM – “Rustic” Camp T. is quite the lifestyle change, particularly the meals, which are served in a no frills, old-school cafeteria which sits on the side of a hill just a short walk from the field.

The modest-sized open room, decorated with blown up ASU football action photos is stuffy and filled with a large collection of annoying flies who are more than happy to invade/disrupt/annoy the lunch goers. If they don’t get to you, the swarming bees who reside on the front deck likely will.

Sunday’s second meal (Pinnacle eats four a day at camp) is hot dogs, potato salad, mixed green salad, and a small dessert. 

12:11PM – The players quietly, and respectfully, form a surprisingly organized, single-line which wraps around the inside of the cafeteria and slowly proceed to the front of the room to be served. I watch from the coaches’ table as the chatter of another less than appetizing meal awaits Zupke and his staff after the players are served first.

“I haven’t heard a peep about complaints from the kids [about the food]. I think they’re just so excited to be in a camp environment. I think they just take what’s thrown at them. They’re a lot more adaptable and maybe pliable than some of my staff. They need to toughen up a little bit (laughing). – Zupke

12:34PM – The last of the players have filed out of the cafeteria but Zupke, and his assistants, stay back to talk about the afternoon practice schedule, as well as joke about the fact a few players and their teenage friends recently watched (and loved), the 1982 comedy, Fast Times at Ridgemont High. 

12:48PM – Next stop is a trip over to the players’ cabins which are separated by class years. The upperclassmen lodging I’m told is “nicer,” but it’s hard to tell with most of the lights off and music blaring as I make my way to the 2024 quarters to catch up with long-time family friend, and PHS junior starting right tackle, Frankie Gleash.

One of Camp T’s restrictions, being located 20 miles east of Payson just off Highway 260, is spotty, limited cell service and no Wi-Fi. Pinnacle’s staff can’t hold film study with their players during their time together up north. But, at least on Day 2 of camp, the players seemed mostly fine “roughing it” away from the more comfortable confines of home. 

“It’s cool. It’s definitely different. It’s a cool retreat from what we’re used to. You know, we’re used to it being 110 [degrees]. So, it’s different to be out here and get some rain. There’s trees all over the place. It’s really cool.” – Robinson

1:14PM – It’s time to head over to the coaches’ cabin for a little stop and chat. The rectangular housing unit has a living area with sofas and chairs in the middle, book ended by bedrooms on either side with bathrooms.

The living quarters feature two sets of twin-sized bunk beds and plenty of floor fans to keep the warming afternoon air circulating out the windows when the coaches are away.

Some of the staff have shut it down for a quick pre-afternoon practice power nap, while the others chat or flip through their phones, passing time before changing, grabbing their favorite bucket hat, and making the short walk back down the hill to the field.

1:35PM – Justin Timberlake, then “Guns N’ Roses” blares from the players’ cabins as they begin stirring in preparation for the next practice. The group seems ready to get back to work at the top of the hour.

1:47PM – I take a seat at a picnic table in the back of the shaded west end zone. The mid-morning cloudy skies have opened and the heat resonates off the now sun-splashed turf surface.

From the adjacent hill, the players begin trickling down from their cabins like ants in formation.

Offensive line coach Paul Germinaro, who also doubles as the official DJ at practice, starts the afternoon mix as the ‘Neers begin their pre-practice stretch.

2:32PM – In practice, I notice a few of the coaches huddling on the sideline and, a few moments later, Zupke calls the entire squad to break out of their position drills and meet at midfield.

While I can’t hear exactly what the 17-year PHS head coach is saying to his team, it’s obvious from the teams’ reaction, something “fun” is about to happen at practice.

After a few small technical issues with the music (Coach Germ’s cell phone was having issues connecting to the speaker’s Bluetooth connection due to the now direct sun over the field), the much anticipated camp “dance off” begins.

About an hour into @GoBigBlue_PHS afternoon practice, #Neers HC @dzupke called an impromptu dance off at midfield pitting the offense vs the defense. @ponce_brady helps defense claim bragging rights 🤣🤣! @Sports360AZ pic.twitter.com/NlN4VtN5ln