LORMAN — Once a year the true golden boy makes a trek back to Alcorn State University to prepare for the future.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair isn’t worried about his future though. He’s investing in others.

The 1990s Braves star brought his annual football camp to Lorman four years ago. The first year 400, invitation-only campers attended. This year, the doors are open wide and long for any interested youth.

Alcorn opened registration for the July 6 camp late last week. Students can register up until the Friday morning of the event, Sports Information Director LaToya Shields said.

Boys ages 9 to 17 are eligible. The camp is free.

“It’s very important to have somebody give back,” Shields said. “We hope we have more athletes to go on to the next level and then do that. For the kids to see someone from here that made it is great. He’s our premier athlete.”

Campers will receive lunch, a T-shirt, a goodie bag and an autographed photo of McNair.

In past years, junior high and high school players from local schools including Natchez and Ferriday have attended the camp.

Shields said Alcorn hoped area youth would take advantage of the opportunity again.

“We are expecting a lot of kids,” Shields said. “We hope a lot of people will come. No one will be turned down.”

Shields said the school has not set a limit on the number of campers allowed to attend.

The camp will start in the morning and end shortly after lunch.

Registration forms are available online at alcornsports.com or by calling 601-877-6500. Forms can also be filled out on the day of the camp, though pre-registration is preferred.