OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Rondo Fernandez, former owner of The Mojo Grill & Catering Co. in Ocala, is also a football coach and mentor, roles grounded in faith.

Recently, Fernandez and several middle school athletes from his Empowered Linemen Academy attended a training camp at the University of Miami.

“You’re taking 15 middle school kids down to the camp… if I had hair, I would probably pull it out,” laughed Fernandez. 

A group of young football players wearing orange sleeveless jerseys and helmets wait in line during a lineman training drill, where one participant is shown striking a practice sled under the guidance of a coach.
A group of young athletes in orange Miami jerseys and a coach pose together on the indoor field at the Empowered Linemen Academy, proudly holding up the signature “U” hand gesture.
Two young linemen in white Miami football jerseys stand on the field during a drill session at the Empowered Linemen Academy, with other athletes and coaches preparing in the background.
Empowered Linemen Academy players line up for a drill during training camp at the University of Miami. Courtesy: Empowered Linemen Academy

Though the bus ride came with challenges, the experience was worth it.

“A lot of the kids have never been out of the area and seen a big city… it was cool to show them around,” he said.

The group was accompanied by Coach Ike and Coach Hope, who served as the offensive and defensive line coaches, respectively.

The Empowered Linemen Academy is part of The Rock; a program Fernandez founded and operates. It falls under the “Empowered” initiative, which offers scholarships and training for middle school students involved in football and wrestling.

A man and woman stand together in what appears to be a clothing donation center, holding up several shirts on hangers. Both are smiling and wearing matching shirts with the logo “THE ROCK” and the phrase “Refuge · Foundation · Purpose,” indicating their involvement in a charitable or community support organization.
Rondo Fernandez founded The Rock and has owned and operated it since its inception. Courtesy: The Rock

“That’s my favorite age to coach and kind of impact,” Fernandez said. “You know they’re still young and moldable.”

The academy focuses on offensive and defensive linemen, by design.

“All the skill guys… wide receivers and running backs… those guys get to go play seven-on-seven and flag football, and they continue to get mentored after the season,” said Fernandez. “Meanwhile, the O-line and D-line guys get dropped.”

With over 20 years of experience coaching offensive lines, Fernandez aims to build confidence in these often-overlooked athletes.

“The players who play the line, those are your bigger kids. In middle school, they often lack confidence in their bodies. They’re not the popular kids in school,” he explained.

Two young linemen in orange Miami jerseys and helmets stand confidently at the front of a group during a football training session at the Empowered Linemen Academy.
Young football players in orange Miami jerseys and white helmets stand focused and ready during a drill at the Empowered Linemen Academy, with one adjusting his mouthguard.
A young football player wearing a white helmet, orange "U" sleeveless jersey numbered 136, and blue athletic shorts stands confidently on an indoor turf field. Behind him are other similarly dressed athletes preparing for drills, suggesting a skills camp or training event at the University of Miami.
A youth football player wearing jersey #137 points at the “U” on his chest while posing for the camera during the Empowered Linemen Academy event.
Empowered Linemen Academy athletes suited up in University of Miami training gear during a special camp experience in South Florida. Courtesy: Empowered Linemen Academy

At the Miami camp, students trained alongside top college linemen. One standout moment came when Miami Offensive Lineman Francis Mauigoa helped a double amputee participant learn to throw a football.

“I turn around at midfield, and Francis is showing him how to throw… I mean, you’re the number one offensive tackle in the country, and you take 20 minutes of your time to breathe into a great kid with some physical challenges. That was one of the best moments.”

“They were just big-hearted kids, man… protectors, both on and off the field,” Fernandez added.

The trip was personal for Fernandez, too. A longtime Hurricanes season ticket holder, he drives from Ocala to Miami for every home game and has a strong connection with Coach Mario Cristobal and the team.

A young football player wearing a white helmet and jersey #157 poses on the indoor turf field during the Empowered Linemen Academy camp.
Two young linemen in white Empowered Linemen Academy jerseys and helmets pose confidently inside an indoor training facility, standing beneath a large Adidas logo after a day of drills and development.
Courtesy: Empowered Linemen Academy

“I named my youngest son Cane after the Miami Hurricanes, and they always ask how he’s doing,” he said.

Fernandez also reunited with Tommy Kinsler, a former mentee now in his third year as a Miami offensive lineman.

“That’s the point of this mentorship program… we don’t stop when you’re done playing football. I’m going to check on you as long as I’m breathing.”

He thanked the donors who made the trip possible.

“It took a lot of individual, smaller donors who gave what they could. I’m extremely grateful, and I know the kids are, too.”

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