A former UH football player is helping train the next generation of athletes

Published: Apr. 16, 2018 at 12:01 AM HST|Updated: Apr. 16, 2018 at 7:05 AM HST
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Kainoa Carlson
HNN Staff

HONOLULU (Hawaii News Now) - Since 2011, former University of Hawaii defensive back Kenny Patton has taken knowledge and skills he's gained and shared them with the next generation of local athletes.

Patton holds a speed and performance training boot camp and he says it's not just for football players, but his techniques are tailored toward making participants better overall athletes.

"My goal is to help maximize potential," said Patton. "To get these guys jumping higher, running faster, moving quicker."

The training sessions average 25 kids. This past season's Gatorade Hawaii Football Player of the year — Chevan Cordeiro — is one of them.

Cordeiro, who will play for the Warriors this upcoming season, believes that the training has not only helped him physically, but also in his approach to the game.

"Training with Coach Kenny taught me to be competitive, not lose," said Cordeiro. "Over here we don't take losing as a joke, we take winning seriously."

For the last two years, Patton has taken over the Hawaii High School football combine. The combine gives local athletes a chance to get professional and accurate testing of speed drills which are used for college recruiting.

The combine will be held next month St. Louis school. (Click here to register.)

Athletes will get a chance to perform and be tested with some of the most up to date technology.

"What separates this combine apart from a lot of the other combines is the laser timing," said Patton. "It's the same system used by the NFL."

Combines are nothing new to high school athletes. University of Hawaii commit Jonah Kahahawai-Welch who also trains with Patton, has participated in many before.

It's just a great opportunity to just prove that, they can ball too, just like all the other guys around the nation," Welch said.

The combine will be open to all high school players and will be held May 5th.

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