LORMAN &045; Steve McNair enjoys coming back to his old stomping grounds.

The Tennessee Titans quarterback and former Alcorn standout said he likes to come back to campus when he can. McNair starred for four years in the early ’90s, finishing third in the voting for the Heisman Trophy his senior year.

&uot;It’s very special to come back to your alma mater with a chance to do what you can to help kids,&uot; McNair said. &uot;You step on campus and have a lot of memories.&uot;

Friday McNair helped about 200 of those kids at the Steve McNair Football Camp on the Alcorn State campus in Lorman.

&uot;This is a way to give back to kids, not just in football but also other things,&uot; McNair said.

The camp, which was free of cost, put the youngsters through a series of drills geared toward their positions. Each camper received a T-shirt, lunch and a goodie bag with an autographed photo of McNair.

&uot;This is fun. We’re just out here running routes with our quarterback. This is good practice for us,&uot; camper DeShawn Griggs said.

Griggs plays wide receiver at Natchez High and was one of 38 Bulldogs at the camp, Natchez head coach Lance Reed said.

Ferriday head coach James McFarland said he was happy to see a good turnout.

&uot;There’s a lot of kids out here. It’s good to see this many,&uot; McFarland said.

McNair spent his time watching the drills and signing autographs for fans at the camp. Asked how he stays humble despite his success in the NFL, including league MVP honors, McNair said it was simple.

&uot;With the family I have and the background I come from, it’s not hard to stay humble,&uot; McNair said. &uot;You have to keep both feet on the ground and remember what got you here. I have a strong family and coaches, from college to high school to junior high coaches, that taught me that.&uot;

Tim and Fred McNair, two of McNair’s brothers, were on hand to help with the coaching, as were coaches from Alcorn State, Copiah-Lincoln Community College and a number of local high schools including Natchez High and Ferriday. Tim is an assistant coach at Prentiss High, while Fred is an assistant at Millsaps College.

&uot;I enjoy doing this for the kids,&uot; Tim said. &uot;When we were growing up we didn’t have stuff like this.&uot;

Tim said he and his brothers all love football and have worked to find ways to stay involved in the game through playing, coaching and working with children.

&uot;Not all of us could play like Steve, but we all have football running through our veins,&uot; Tim said.

Steve McNair said one of the things he talked to campers about was the importance of education.

&uot;They have to dedicate themselves to two things,&uot; McNair said. &uot;First is education. If you don’t get your education there won’t be any football. So do that and then play football.&uot;

McNair also said he tries to make sure he uses his time away from professional football to help out in the community.

&uot;You have to make sure you analyze every situation that comes before you,&uot; McNair said. &uot;I’m involved in a lot of kids’ activities, after school programs, that sort of thing. If it’s something I love to do, I’m all for it.&uot;

McNair said he has high expectations this season for the Tennessee Titans despite the loss of some key veterans from last years’ squad.

&uot;It will be a challenge for us, but we’ll surprise some people,&uot; McNair said.