As the cost of exposure camps rises and meaningful reps grow scarce, many middle and high school football players are turning to the Flex Zone 1-on-1 Challenge, an athlete-first alternative focused on development, position-specific coaching and real opportunity.
Founded in 2018 by Coast2Coast Athletics and Stephon “Boogie” Johnson, Flex Zone isn’t about the spotlight. For just $65, the event offers middle and high school athletes a chance to sharpen their skills, earn respect and get noticed.
For many football families, the issue isn’t just cost but value. They ask, “What are we really getting for this money?” Is my child getting the reps and coaching needed to stand out to college programs?
R’Mani Benjamin, a 5’9”, 170-pound freshman quarterback at Waxahachie High School, shares that concern.
“The camps have been good, but I’m probably getting only two to five reps,” said R’Mani. “At college camps, you really must grind to get a coach’s attention. After introductions, it’s time to show what you’ve got, but that time is limited.”
R’Mani’s father, Phelp Benjamin Jr., says it’s all about building relationships but admits the size of many camps can be overwhelming.
“We’ve been paying between $100 and $150 for these college camps,” said Phelp. “The coaching is there, but it’s hard to get multiple reps with how many kids attend.”
Jalil Johnson, a former NFL defensive back and current elite DB trainer, believes these camps often favor already-established names.
“If coaches know who you are, you get attention. But if you’re under the radar, you’re stuck running drills without meaningful instruction. Technique isn’t being taught like it should be.”
Jalil Johnson, a former NFL defensive back
“If coaches know who you are, you get attention,” said Jalil. “But if you’re under the radar, you’re stuck running drills without meaningful instruction. Technique isn’t being taught like it should be.”
That’s the gap Flex Zone aims to fill.
“We were traveling the country doing camps and the biggest frustration was always the same,” said Stephon Johnson Sr., owner of Coast2Coast Athletics. “By the time one-on-ones came around, kids were getting one or two reps, then camp was over. As a trainer and a parent, I asked myself, ‘How can I fix this?’”
Flex Zone was built around that answer development through consistent reps against quality competition.
“It’s all about teaching,” said Johnson Sr. “We show them how to bring energy, own their mistakes and bounce back exactly what coaches at the next level want.”
Stephon Johnson Sr’s son, Stephon “Boogie” Johnson Jr., a senior wide receiver at the University of Houston, knows firsthand how valuable those reps are.
“One-on-ones are designed for the offense to win, but they help both sides refine their craft,” Boogie said. “You’re forced to use your best moves. That’s where growth happens.”
Boogie first trained under his father and studied elite route runners like Justin Jefferson, Stefon Diggs and Calvin Ridley. Their explosiveness in and out of breaks and ability to finish plays shaped his approach.
“At Alabama, they had a thing where they couldn’t get tackled inside the 10-yard line,” said Boogie. “I loved that mentality, so I came up with the same mindset of my own”.
At Flex Zone, Boogie worked hands-on with young athletes on release techniques, footwork and separation strategies.
“We worked on dipping shoulders, playing with a strong base and sinking your hips at the top of routes,” said Boogie. “It’s about being precise and explosive.”
Talent evaluator Jace Norman was on-site, grading players on effort, route running and catches on a 1-5 scale. When the dust settled, Caleb Marinelli earned MVP honors for his consistency and crisp route execution.
“Caleb challenged himself against all types of opponents,” said Norman. “Quick, good hands, tracked the ball well even on jump balls, he came down with quite a few.”
“Winning the MVP makes me feel like I can keep training and maybe win again,” said Marinelli. “Flex Zone gives you real reps against serious competition.”
Deion Singleton brought his son, Braylon, a 7th-grade slot receiver and corner, to the event. They’ve attended many camps, but he sees something different in Flex Zone.
“I like seeing how Braylon matches up with his age group,” said Singleton. “Even when kids mess up, coaches give helpful feedback to keep them focused. That encouragement is why we’ll keep coming back.”
With an eye on expansion, Boogie Johnson sees Flex Zone growing into a national movement.
“It’s really about giving back, creating something fun and competitive outside of padded football,” said Boogie. “I want Flex Zone to be something people look forward to in cities across the country.”
Recent feedback has already prompted changes. Now, Flex Zone includes a full hour of position-specific instruction before any one-on-one competition begins.
“We’re slowing it down to make sure athletes understand what we’re teaching,” said Johnson Sr. “Coaches break everything down, demonstrate and bring athletes back to apply it.”
While he acknowledges that, due to camp size, it may be difficult to duplicate Flex Zone’s structure at the collegiate level, Johnson believes it offers a blueprint for a more equitable recruiting system.
“Big camps are organized chaos. Coaches want to see who stands out fast,” said Johnson Sr. “Flex Zone helps prepare kids for that chaos by giving them confidence and reps. We make sure they don’t hang back. You want to be recruited? Get in line, get your rep and compete.”
