NATCHEZ — Two former SEC linemen were in Natchez Thursday and Friday to teach fundamentals and technique to Cathedral School’s offensive and defensive linemen.

Former Vanderbilt defensive tackle Brett Beard and former Ole Miss offensive lineman Justin Sawyer worked with the Cathedral offensive lineman for two hours Thursday and Friday morning and worked with the defensive line in the afternoon.

“We’re trying to teach technique and fundamentals,” Sawyer said. “No matter who you are going against, with good technique you can beat them.”

Cathedral coach Ron Rushing said the workouts are voluntary, but he was pleased with the participation and the effort.

“They are doing good and have learned a lot,” Rushing said. “They are working the whole two hours and staying busy. I’m happy with the turnout; these guys (that are coming out) are getting better.”

Sawyer, who coaches at North Pike Middle School, said he was impressed with the hard work of the Green Wave players.

“They are working with a great attitude,” he said. “They get after it and are very enthusiastic and upbeat.”

Rushing said the camp is beneficial because it allows his players to receive one-on-one instruction from quality teachers.

“These guys are good at what they do. I have a lot of respect for the teams they have coached for,” he said. “(We) try to get the best for the kids.”

Sawyer said the Cathedral staff was willing to help him and Beard during the camps.

“The hospitality they showed us was second to none. They work with us very well and just take care of us,” he said.

Cathedral offensive line coach Kurt Russ said he hopes the techniques Sawyer teaches his players will become habit for his lineman and make it easier for them to focus on other aspects of blocking.

“We want to get the young kids trained early so we don’t have to teach them, it will just be muscle memory,” Russ said.

Russ said he is proud of the effort his players are showing in camp, and he plans on continuing to practice the drills Sawyer taught while the skill players do 7-on-7 and other drills.

The players worked on run blocking and run defense Thursday and pass blocking and pass defense drills Friday.

Beard, who currently coaches at Destrehan High School, said he worked with the defensive lineman on rushing the passer Friday.

“They did very well,” Beard said. “They are a good group of kids, and they could have another solid year. They have the right attitude and they hunger for knowledge and are hungry to win.”

Sawyer said Rushing and the Cathedral coaching staff are setting the Green Wave up for success.

“There is great excitement about the game, and they are trying to develop players on and off the field,” Sawyer said. “When players see a coach that cares, and has their best interest in mind they play hard and give you effort.”

Sawyer said he saw players with good talent, athleticism and good work ethic at Cathedral’s camp.