After all, the Nittany Lions’ Beaver Stadium is currently ongoing a $700 million renovation revitalization of its own.

“My hope from today is for those kids to walk away realizing the importance of putting in the hard work for the goals that they want to achieve,” said the 6-2, 221-pound receiver from Owings Mills, Md. on Wednesday.

“The highlight of the night for me was just being able to connect with the kids. It was great to know them and be able to answer any questions they had,” Exinor added.

About 90 youngsters from first- through eighth grades attended the session, which was later moved to the Mifflin County Middle School gymnasium due to inclement weather.

Sentinel photo by MIKE GOSS
Jeff Exinor Jr., of Penn State, poses with Colton Rauch, of McClure, while his mother snaps a picture.

Exinor was the highlight of the three-day event, organized by Mifflin County head football coach Shane Breon and his staff.

“Jeff was a very personal young man and very mature for being a true freshman,” Breon said. “Youth today can’t hear the valuable message he delivered enough — hard work, the daily schedule of a D1 football player and having goals to be the best you can be at anything you do. Hopefully that resonates with our guys which I’m sure it did.”

Penn State hosts Nevada in its 2025 season opener on Aug. 30.

The focus on Tuesday was offense, culminating with players at each youth level execute a run play and a pass play. Then the attention shifted to special teams and combine day on Wednesday before wrapping up with drills and a one-hour visit with the Nittany Lion.

“Timed the kids in the 40-yard dash and 5-10-5 pro shuttle,” Breon said. “We worked on long snapping and catching punts.”

Sentinel photo by MIKE GOSS
Penn State’s Jeff Exinor Jr. talks to the campers during the Mifflin County Youth Football Camp on Wednesday night at the Mifflin County Middle School gymnasium, in Lewistown.

The weather forced the campers inside so they couldn’t kick or punt the football, but Exinor’s appearance certainly helped to lift their spirits. He spoke to the campers before signing autographs and taking selfies.

The Penn State players’ appearance was provided by Geisinger, which supports athletes like Exinor through the Name Image Likeness (NIL) program.

“Engaging with the local community has been a real personal emphasis of mine because it’s great to connect with people that may not come from the same background as you,” Exinor explained.

“The best thing about Penn State so far has been getting to meet new people on and off the field. It has really been a blessing to be a part of a community like this one,” Exinor added.

Today’s session will focus on defense, along with Rita’s Water Ice at the end of camp. Breon will also run 7 on 7 and 11 on 11 controlled work with Juniata’s junior high and high school teams.

Sentinel photo by MIKE GOSS
Brayden Bedlyon, of Burnham, raises his hand to ask a question.

About 90 campers attended the event, which was open to anyone. Besides players from Mifflin County, there were others from Juniata County in attendance.

Breon and his staff were also assisted by high school players. The coach felt those players would reap the rewards of interacting with the younger campers.

“I have been very impressed with the focus and effort the kids are putting forth,” Breon said. “We opened the camp up to first- and second-graders this year to align with the youth league levels, and I was very impressed with those younger kids and their desire to absorb information and focus on the drills being taught.”

This year, Breon spoke to Juniata head coach Kurt Condo and opened up the event to younger campers, especially since there are so many players that suit up in the Central Keystone Youth Football League.

“The value of having D1 and especially Penn State football players attend our camp the last three years and provide those messages to our youth and high school players is invaluable and Jeff was very impressive in his message as the others have been,” Breon added. “Getting to meet Jeff, listening to his message, obtaining his autograph and in some cases taking a photo with him is an experience I’m sure our young guys will remember forever.”

Sentinel photo by MIKE GOSS
Penn State’s Jeff Exinor Jr. (left) hands back an autographed football to Cade Cherry, of Lewistown.