Jennings Opens Ultimate Athletic Training Facility
The atmosphere says it all. You have to see it to believe it. Those are the cliches that Elite Sports Academy owners and trainers say when talking about Buford and Gwinnett’s newest training facility. Former University of Georgia corner-back and 10-year NFL corner-back Tim Jennings decided to move to this area and bring his expertise. Jennings, 34, who spent four years with the Indianapolis Colts after he was drafted in the second round out of Georgia in 2006. He then spent five years with the Chicago Bears and finished his NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Born in Orangeburg South Carolina, he made the most of what he was given and had a great career with 20 interceptions and 7 fumble recoveries with three touchdowns on pick-6’s.
But now Jennings decided to take his abilities and teach others. He and his trainers Drew Johnson, Mario Razely, and Kevin Almont opened in February 2017 at 4555 Atwater Ct off Nelson Brogdon Blvd (GA Hwy. 20) in Buford.
“Even with not being from around here, I knew that the Buford area has a lot to offer.,” Jennings said. “We’ve got what we have going on due to coach Drew and coach Mario having been in the local school systems. These guys have a connection and know more about what’s going on. It appears they love what they do. And now being able to see what the Buford area and their traditions here are phenomenal.”
Teaching not only the physical training aspect but having their students learn the terminology and the knowledge of sports are what lends a true school atmosphere to the Elite Sports Academy. They stress that one without the other will not make for success. These days to get far, these athletes must be a complete package.
“It’s a family based business. The vibe is on family,” states Johnson. “It’s not about race or size. We do a handshake, hug to moms, and there are no attitudes here.”
Elite has students from Grayson, Archer, Brookwood, Buford, North Gwinnett, Lanier and even as far away as Powder Springs with McEachern. “I can’t explain why they come from far away,” said Johnson. “You’ve just got to experience it. What we teach you have to see it with your own eyes. It’s a visual thing.”
People like Brandon Jacobs of the NY Giants, former Bulldog and Atlanta Falcon DJ Shockley and Tavaris King along with up and coming high school players like Buford’s Aaron McLaughlin train at Elite Sports Academy.
Johnson is proud of their concept. “We shock the body using weights, speed, and agility.,” he said. “We’re a team. The classes start on time. You’ll learn everything. It’s very meticulous. You can see it.”
Everything from Cover 2, to a dig route to a skinny post to a back shoulder fade are just some of the terminologies the crew will cover while you are there. “We talk to even the 9-year old kids like they are grown.,” Johnson said. “We use the lingo to prepare them for the next level. If you can’t learn the playbook you can’t make it.”
The facility is also making it accessible to a student bringing their school work and able to work on that before they start their training session. They will have SAT prep and “the kids can knock out their homework.
“We didn’t have all this back in my day.,” Jennings said. “It’s huge. It’s an investment in your kids and we can prepare your kids for the next level.”
Daman White, the parent of Dylan White who is a 10 yr old 4th grader at Jackson Elementary (Peachtree Ridge Cluster), comes to Elite four days a week for his son to hone his skills as a Quarterback. White states “Elite is very creative in their drills and does not baby Dylan. They hold him accountable, and it works. I feel like I get the most value for my dollar here.”
Coach Drew Johnson reiterated that it’s a facility for all athletes and even for the people that just want to lose weight and get in shape. People of all ages and fitness levels are welcome. People can come in and do their own thing or can opt to have a trainer give them a training plan.
So no matter what you are looking for, Elite Sports Academy has it and will tailor the workout for your needs.
For the non athlete just call to set up training sessions. “We have everything from lacrosse, baseball, softball and we are planning on installing batting cages in the near future.,” Johnson added.
You can find them on all social media platforms from Instagram to Facebook to Twitter and on their website at https://www.proelitesportsacademy.com/.
