STARKVILLE — Kason Woods’ eighth birthday doesn’t come until October, but he might have received the best part of his present Saturday.
Woods was one of 700 first- through eighth-graders to attend the second-annual Dak Prescott Football ProCamp at Mississippi State’s practice fields.
“He has been in love with Dak since he played for State. He’s followed him through,” said Ashley Woods, Kason’s mother. “As soon as he was old enough, we got him in.”
Kason had some one-on-one time with Prescott and fellow former Bulldog Fred Ross in a drill, as Prescott threw a pass to Woods with Ross in coverage. Kason also received a signed picture of Prescott in a Dallas Cowboys uniform, which Ashley Woods used to fan herself on the hot day at MSU’s football complex.
“When I host something like this, I want to go to special places, special cities that mean something to me. That’s back at home in Haughton, Louisiana, here and Dallas,” said Prescott, who partnered with ProCamps Worldwide to do the event. “(The big crowd) is not overwhelming. It’s what I want so I can give back. I hope I can make contact and say something to each kid so they leave here with a positive experience.
“It means a lot to me. It’s humbling, to say the least, to be here. Knowing everything I went through here, this is really where I grew up, where I took that next step in my life and became a man here. To come back, give to these kids and see myself in them, it’s crazy, and I’m glad I’m able to do it.”
Prescott is entering his third season as the Cowboys’ starting quarterback. Last season, he led the team to a 9-7 record. Prescott called it a disappointment compared to his rookie season, when he quarterbacked the team to the playoffs, but he remains optimistic for a better showing this season.
New MSU coach Joe Moorhead engaged Prescott in his first Maroon & White Game to establish a relationship.
“Whatever coaching staff, this place is all about the people, and that’s how it will always be,” Prescott said. “The fans aren’t going change. They’re going to be the same because they love this university. They love the people that support this school.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Brett Hudson on Twitter @Brett_Hudson
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