THIBODAUX -- The Manning Passing Academy is under way for the third year at Nicholls State University with 1,200 athletes at the 12th annual camp.

The four-day session for quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and tight ends, is run by the Manning family -- Archie, Peyton, Cooper and Eli -- with help from a host of other big names from the NFL and college football. It attracts some of the top high school football players from around the nation. It concludes Sunday.

On Friday there was a field dedication ceremony to mark Nicholls State' renaming its field in honor of the Manning family, who donated a new playing surface.

The new AstroTurf surface, which was installed in June, replaces a natural grass surface Nicholls State has used for years.

"I can tell you from firsthand experience, this is not your father's AstroTurf," Archie Manning said. "This is an incredible, state-of-the-art surface that will make a fine addition to the camp and Nicholls."

Saturday morning fans were invited watch the "Air it Out" session at the school's stadium, featuring a passing and skills demonstration by Peyton and Eli Manning along with other college and NFL athletes.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)