For Andalusia High School rising ninth graders Jaxon “Rudy” Rudolph and Trevor Parker, the Nick Saban Crimson Tide Football Camp was an experience they’ll never forget.

The camp ran from July 15-18, and took place at the University of Alabama.

Saban’s camp is a non-contact skills teaching camp that is designed to give each athlete a solid foundation in football fundamentals needed to excel at his position. The camp is led by Saban and his Crimson Tide coaching staff.

Each player received hands-on instruction as they participated in drills and practices simulating those of Alabama’s football team.

Rudolph, a wide receiver for AHS, said he mainly worked on how to use his feet better, while Parker, a running back, said he worked on “cutting.”

“It was a great experience,” Rudolph said. “It was fun, but challenging. We had a lot of steps and drills, and it was hard work.”

Rudolph’s mother, Kelly Ainsworth, said her son came away with a “positive experience,” in spite of the shootings that took place in Tuscaloosa while they were in town.

On Tuesday night, Nathan Van Wilkins opened fire on the Copper Top bar in Tuscaloosa, and faces 18 counts of attempted murder.

According to a report from Al.com, Saban said the “incident is it’s not really a reflection of Tuscaloosa.”

“The camp really inspired him, and he is already awaiting next year’s camp,” Ainsworth said. “I as a parent, hope that camp improved many aspects of his future. The experience was an awesome one, from what I hear.”

Rudolph said Saban had an emphasis on discipline and effort whenever he spoke to the campers.

Parker said the experience was also great, and that each camper got to learn how to practice as hard as the college team.

“It made us go harder,” Parker said. “We know the Alabama environment now, so we can work as hard as they do up there.”

Parker said in addition to learning more about “cutting,” he participated in doing broad jumps, height jumps and other drills.

While at the camp, Rudolph and Parker were put into a team as the Andalusia team. They competed with other campers from different cities.

The AHS players finished in the third round of a Bama Ball scrimmage game.

After the camp was over, both had the opportunity to have their picture made with Coach Saban.

Rudolph said it was “exciting” to meet him, and get a picture with him.

“I told him where I’m from and my name,” he said.