Mustafa comes home and gives back to the 06320

There are many inhabitants of the 06320 who proclaim devotion to their city — talking it more than walking it — often sounding like editorials that have forgotten the point they want to make.

And then you were there Sunday at Caulkins Park, withstanding winter weather on a spring day, realizing what love and loyalty really resemble. It's nothing more complicated than this: Merely living in New London doesn't make you a true New Londoner any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.

Enter New London native and Vanderbilt sophomore Mustafa Dannett, the former Whaler with 50,000 watts of charisma, giving back in his own way. Dannett could have been many other places Sunday, but chose to roam the green of Caulkins Park, to hold what he hopes will be an annual football clinic for the kids of the city.

A good 50 of them were there, too, learning the basics from Dannett, his friends and even some of his Vanderbilt teammates, who made their way here because they believe in the power of together. Young men occupying their Sunday coaching and encouraging and mentoring the kids who, left to their devices, might have otherwise spent the day on their devices.

“It's for the kids,” Dannett was saying during a three-hour, rainsoaked session that ended with Mr. G's pizza, backpacks donated by Wireless Zone, awards and the very best role modeling possible.

“I wish I had something like this when I was younger,” Dannett said. “We wanted it to be affordable (10 dollars) in the neighborhood and be a welcoming place for the kids to understand they can beat the odds, too.”

A primer on Dannett, otherwise known as “Moose” to his friends and family: He was an all-area football player and wrestler who earned a full scholarship to Vanderbilt, where he has made the football team and the Dean's List. He is a former Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship winner.

There's also this: Dannett did not grow up in the section of the city with water views and private beaches. He could have fallen, in his words, "into the mix, all the

SARAH GORDON/THE DAY Alvindow Goode, 8, of New London, moves to catch a ball in a drill during a youth football camp at Caulkins Park in New London on Sunday. The camp was organized by Mustafa Dannett, a former New London High football player now playing at Vanderbilt.

M.dimauro@theday.com