University of Pittsburgh football player returns to Ocoee to host first Josh G. Youth Football Camp

Joshua Guerrier grew up in Ocoee and became a star safety for Ocoee High School’s varsity football team. 

The Class of 2025 alumnus was ranked No. 35 in the nation and No. 2 in Florida for his 793 total return yards and averaged six tackles per game with 60 total and three interceptions. He also was a productive offensive player rushing for 375 yards on 31 carries and catching 32 passes for 675 yards. 

His talents allowed him to commit to the University of Pittsburgh, where he played all 13 games as a true freshman and totaled eight tackles and three pass breakups as a defensive back. 

Guerrier’s roots in Ocoee are what shaped him to become the DI player he is today. 

Through middle and high school, he watched kids grow up without structure in their lives and struggling to find weekend activities. Those childhood memories inspired him to give back to the same community that gave him so much through his first Josh G. Youth Football Camp Saturday, June 27. 

“This is for the community,” he said. “This is me just giving out to the community and helping the kids because I was in the same position not too long (ago).” 

And the community returned its support to him. 

The city of Ocoee Parks and Leisure Services helped sponsor the event. The Ocoee High football team’s coaches and athletic trainers, including head coach Buck Gurley, and former Knights players helped run the camp for participants ages 11 to 18 years old. 

“It’s something that he wanted to do collectively with his teammates that graduated with him, those who played on the field with his class, even those who graduated before him,” Guerrier’s mom, Gerdia Exinor, said. “Joshua’s an olive branch. He’s one of those people (who) gets along with everyone. … He also believes in community and brotherhood, love for all, so it made sense.”

All of the former players and Guerrier worked with the middle school football players and current Knights players thoroughly through eight different stations for two hours. Younger players learned position-specific skills — throwing and blocking — as well as improving their reaction time through sprints, quick cut backs around cones and approaching. 

The camp transitioned from stations into route practice with middle school and high school age groups, which brought out a new level of excitement as participants cheered for each other after an incredible catch or an impressive block. 

Seeing it all unfold brought Guerrier immense joy. 

“It makes me feel great,” he said. “Seeing the kids working is an amazing sight. It’s amazing. Seeing it shows you they still love the game.” 

Guerrier already plans to bring the camp back to Ocoee next summer following his sophomore year at Pitt. He designed all the logos and apparel for the camp himself and next summer hopes to add something new such as a book bag for the participants to take home