Thursday, April 30, 2009

Bryant High Wins First Battle of the Weight Room

The Hornets captured the title in the first D1 "Battle of the Weight Room" Combine presented by Delta Dental between Bryant and Benton High. Congrats to Bryant High Hornets Coach Paul Calley and all your athletes on your victory over Benton High School in the D1 Combine Challenge in Little Rock.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Stuart Hollon Named D1 LR Character Athlete of the Month

Stuart Hollon is D1 Little Rock’s March Character Athlete of the Month. Stuart played DE/LB at Mayflower High School and will suit up for Missouri Southern State University next fall. Stuart trains in the D1 Domination Group (15-18 year olds). D1’s March's Word of the Month was DEDICATION. "Stuart is the most faithful and DEDICATED athlete that I train. His character is unmatched by anyone here, his attitude is above exceptional, and he is a great example as well as encourage," states his D1 coach, John Williams. Congrats!

Congrats to the AAU 14u State Champions!!!

The Arkansas Heat claimed the AAU 14u DII State Championship earlier this month. Way to make D1 Little Rock proud taking the Arkansas crown! We look forward to continuing to train you guys!

D1 Water Station Keeps Runners Hydrated

Thanks to all the D1 athletes who came out and volunteered at the D1 Water Station for the Country Music Marathon. It was a great success! And congrats to all the D1 athletes from Averitt, Greenville, Knoxville, Chattanooga and Nashville who ran! Great job.

Marcus Monk Gets Second Shot at NFL

Marcus Monk, who trained at D1 before last year's NFL Combine, agreed to terms as an undrafted free agent with the Carolina Panthers. Marcus was a seventh-round pick of the Chicago Bears in last year's draft after becoming Arkansas' all-time leader in touchdown receptions (27). He was in camp with the Bears and later the New York Giants. Marcus then went back to Arkansas and played on the Hogs basketball team. CLICK HERE to read more. Good luck, Marcus!

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Tennessean Touts D1 Draft Class

Click here to read the full story

Oher Credits Move Back to D1

During last year's offseason, Michael Oher trained at D1. Prior to this year's NFL Combine, Michael decided to go train with Michael Johnson in Dallas. After a mediocre combine, Oher decided to go back to D1 to train for his Pro Day. Here is what he told the Memphis Commercial Appeal: "Working out in Dallas, I felt that place was more for a skill position guy, and I'm a power guy who likes the heavy lifting. I got away from that in Dallas, but I got back to that in Nashville. They knew me, knew what I needed and I went right back to work. They got me stronger in three weeks, and I exploded at (Ole Miss') pro day." Click here to read the whole story.

Titans Radio Features D1 Class

Click here to read about how the D1 Combine Class featured in the NFL Draft.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Free Agent Deals and Tryouts Start Rolling In

Jeremiah Johnson, Oregon - Houston Texans
Jerome Johnson, Nevada - St. Louis Rams
Brannan Southerland, Georgia - NY Jets
Brandon Pearce, Memphis - Arizona Cardinals
Lucas Taylor, Tennessee - Denver Broncos
Ryan Stanchek, West Virginia - Atlanta Falcons
Anthony Scirrotto, Penn State - Carolina Panthers
Maurice Evans, Penn State - NY Giants
Bret Lockett, UCLA - Cleveland Browns
Casey Dick, Arkansas - New York Jets
Darius Hill, Ball St. - Cincinnati Bengals
Ryan McDonald, Illinois - San Diego Chargers
Maurice Dupree, Jacksonville State - Jacksonville Jaguars

How the D1 Combine Class Fared

o Michael Oher (Mississippi) - Round 1 – Baltimore Ravens (23rd)
o Kaluka Maiava (USC) - Round 4 – Cleveland Browns (104th)
o T.J. Lang (Eastern Michigan) - Round 4 – GB Packers (109th)
o Troy Kropog (Tulane) - Round 4 – Tennessee Titans (135th)
o Jaret Dillard (Rice) - Round 5 – Jacksonville Jaguars (144th)
o Xavier Fulton (Illinois) - Round 5 – TB Buccaneers (155th)
o Brandon Underwood (Cincinnati) - Round 6 – GB Packers (187th)
o DeAndre Wright (New Mexico State) - Round 6 – NY Giants (200th)
o Will Davis (Illinois) - Round 6 – Arizona Cardinals (204th)

Friday, April 24, 2009

Jermain Taylor Goes After WBC 168-pound Title


England's Carl Froch defends his WBC 168-pound title against former undisputed middleweight champion Jermain Taylor this Saturday on Showtime (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast). Lets cheer on our D1 Little Rock co-owner. Click here to read about predictions.

Big D1 Weekend

It is a big weekend for D1. Co-owner and boxer Jermain Taylor is fighting on Saturday versus Carl Froch. Also, many athletes are hoping to get a call from an NFL team this weekend. Below is the list of athletes hoping to get a shot in the NFL this season.

2009 D1 Combine Class:
Julian Arthur, TE - University of California
Josh Briscoe, WR – University of Tennessee
Will Davis, DE - University of Illinois
Casey Dick, QB - University of Arkansas
Jarett Dillard, WR - Rice University
Maurice Evans, DE – Penn State University
Stewart Franks, S - Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Xavier Fulton, OL - University of Illinois
Darius Hill, TE - Ball State University
Jeremiah Johnson, RB - University of Oregon
Jerome Johnson, LB - Nevada-Reno
John Johnson, FB - Ouachita Baptist
Troy Kropog, OT - Tulane University
T.J. Lang, OT - Eastern Michigan University
Bret Lockett, S – UCLA
Brison Manor III - OG, Temple
Ryan McDonald, C - University of Illinois
Adam Myers-White, LB – University of Tennessee
Michael Oher, T – University of Mississippi
Brandon Pearce, OT - University of Memphis
Julius Pruitt, WR – Ouachita Baptist
Antwain Robinson, DE - University of Arkansas
Anthony Scirrotto, FS - Penn State University
Brannon Southerland, FB - University of Georgia
Ryan Stanchek, OG - University of West Virginia
Lucas Taylor, WR - University of Tennessee
Brandon Underwood, FS - University of Cincinnati
Ellix Wilson, LB - University of Tennessee
Kevin Woods, FS - University of Arkansas
DeAndre Wright, CB - University of New Mexico

D1 Combine Update

The Bears and Packers brought in Eastern Michigan's T.J. Lang for a pre-draft visit. Lang was a left tackle in college but will probably play right tackle or guard at the next level. He's been gaining traction on draft boards all spring and could easily be selected in the third round. That’s great for a guy who didn’t receive a combine invite. Illinois’ Xavier Fulton has also been gaining a lot of ground since his combine performance. Fulton played defensive line early on in college but then moved to offense, where he really found his game. He is a very raw talent and has a lot of upside that has caught the eye of the New York Giants where the offensive line is a big issue. Nevada’s Jerome Johnson started at inside and outside linebacker during his time at Nevada but scouts wanted to see him at fullback, a position he considers his most natural. Teams think he could be a big thumper. He recorded an impressive 4.7-second 40-yard dash at pro day and recently visited the Packers. Cincinnati’s Brandon Underwood is slated to go late in the draft because he only started one year, but what a year it was. Underwood tallied impressive stats playing both FS and CB in 2008 to earn him all-conference honors. He has the size and impressive speed but lacks the experience. However, no one really knows until draft day. Underwood is truly a “diamond in the rough.” USC’s Kaluka Maiava is a football player. Despite irregular playing time in his senior year, Maiava recorded the third most tackles for the Trojans and was the MVP of the Rose Bowl. Maiava is better suited to play WLB, but would be a great addition for depth and could play in the rotation immediately. He has fielded calls from Atlanta, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Seattle and Miami recently. ''I haven't really heard anything solid,'' Maiava said. ''Some guys tell me early rounds some guys tell me late rounds. I'm just hoping for the best. I have heard as high as the second round, but I don't want to jinx it. You never know where you are going.”

Thursday, April 23, 2009

D1 Chattanooga Character Athlete of the Month

Anthony Douglas is D1 Chattanooga’s March Character Athlete of the Month. A junior at Lookout Valley High School, Anthony plays both offensive and defensive line. He trains in D1's Domination Group (15-18 year olds). D1's March Word of the Month was DEDICATION. "Every time Anthony steps into D1, he brings his A-game. At 6’2 and 285 lbs he is one our largest athletes, yet has better footwork than most athletes. His DEDICATION to succeed at every drill causes him to stand out amongst the crowd." states his D1 coach, Jeff Andrews. Keep up the hard work, never back down, and always bring up those around you! Congratulations Anthony!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Slophouse Talks about D1 Combine Book

CLICK HERE to read about the Arkansas guys in the D1 Combine Book.

D1 Announces David Thornton Camp


"I'm so excited to be partnering with D1 to conduct this football camp," said David. "I have done camps in North Carolina at my high school the past 3 years, but I've always wanted to host a camp here in Nashville - this is the time! The concept is great -- improving football fundamentals -- but more importantly, building Godly character! I look forward to serving and sharing."

CLICK HERE for additional information.
CLICK HERE to view and print off a registration form.

Monday, April 20, 2009

D1's Zobrist Hits Game-Winning Pinch-Hit Grand Slam

D1's Ben Zobrist of the Tampa Rays, hit a pinch-hit grand slam in the sixth inning which spoiled a 5-2 White Sox lead to earn a 6-5 win on Friday. On Sunday, Zobrist hit a two-run shot for his third of the year. Click here to read more. Great job Ben!

Friday, April 17, 2009

D1's Sutton Traded to Reds

D1's Drew Sutton, who has spent time working out at D1 Nashville last offseason, was traded from the Astros to the Reds. Drew was the AA Most Valuable Player for the Astros last year. Click here to read more. Good luck Drew!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Chapter Three Out on Draft Process

Clay Travis' book on Combine prep called "Rough Draft" is now out on Fanhouse.com. CLICK HERE to read.

D1 Nashville Character Athlete of the Month

Joe Hines is D1 Nashville’s March Character Athlete of the Month. This past December, Joe committed himself to becoming healthier. Joe has been training in D1's Total Fit Program (adults) a total of 4 months and his DEDICATION has enabled him to lose 72 lbs. "Joe is the definition of hard work and DEDICATION. He works two jobs and trains at D1 twice per day (6:00 am and 4:30 pm), 4 days a week. The DEDICATION Joe displays makes other athletes around him work at another level." says his D1 coach, Jason Reaves. Congratulations Joe!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Part II of "Rough Draft" Online

Click here to read Part II of Clay Travis' book on his Combine experience.

News and notes from the 2009 D1 Combine Class

Nevada-Reno FB Jerome Johnson is drawing interest from the New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers, Oakland Raiders, Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants, St. Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals. Arkansas QB Casey Dick recently worked out for Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett and quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson. The Bears brought in Penn State safety Anthony Scirrotto for a pre-draft visit. Mississippi OL Michael Oher has been invited to the NFL Draft in New York. Keep up the good work!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

NFL Combine Book Featuring D1 Out on Fanhouse

Clay Travis, who worked out with the 2008 D1 Combine Class, has now published online Part 1 of 10 installments of his book on his D1 Combine Prep experience on Fanhouse.com. CLICK HERE to read the first part.

Here is a segment on CEO Will Bartholomew: Bartholomew, a blond-haired, clean-shaven, walking muscle, is smaller now than when he played fullback for the University of Tennessee from 1998-2001. When he takes my hand in May of 2007 as we meet for the first time at the D1 Facility, Bartholomew's grip pulverizes my knuckles. His black shirt hangs tightly across his broad chest. Even his temples appear to have muscles. It is possible he has no fat anywhere on his body.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Elliott Williams Makes D1 Proud

Elliott Williams, who trained at D1 while a prep star in Memphis, started the final 12 Duke games as a freshman in which they won 10. He is giving Blue Devils fans a lot to be excited about.

Friday, April 10, 2009

D1 Huntsville Names Character Athlete of the Month

Christian Grospitch is D1 Huntsville’s March Character Athlete of the Month. He is a 6th grader at Challenger Middle School and is a versatile athlete who plays football, hockey, and baseball. Christian trains in the D1 Developmental Group (12-14 year olds). D1’s March Word of the Month was DEDICATION. "Christian pushes himself throughout every workout, and is a leader for his peers through his work ethic and attitude, " states his D1 Coach, Crystal Harris. Christian, keep up the hard work DEDICATION!

D1 Huntsville Announces Summer Camps

D1 Huntsville is gearing up for their summer camps. These camps are sure to interest athletes of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds. CLICK HERE to view more details and register for the D1 Huntsville summer camps!

Sports Activity Camp: June 8 - 12
Middle School Speed & Agility Camp: June 22 - 26

Thursday, April 9, 2009

D1's Briscoe Still Blogging about NFL Quest

Click here to read Josh Briscoe's blog on his preparation for an opportunity with the NFL at D1 Knoxville on GoVolsXtra.com.

D1 Greenville's Summer Camp Series

D1 Greenville has an exciting list of summer camps coming. These camps are sure to interest athletes of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds. CLICK HERE to view more details and register for our summer camps!

Quarterback Camp June 15 - 16
Wide Receiver Camp June 17 - 18
DB/LB CampJune 19 - 20
James Trapp Football Camp July 17-18
Baseball Camp July 29 - 30

D1 Knoxville Announces Summer Camp Schedule

D1 Knoxville will play host to a variety of summer camps. These camps are sure to interest athletes of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds. CLICK HERE to view more details and register for our summer camps!

Sports Activity Camp: June 1 - 5, 8 - 12, & July 27 - 31
D1 Quarterback Camp: June 15 - 19
Wide Receiver Camp: June 15 - 19
Dead Period Training: June 22 - 26 & June 29 - July 3
High School Speed & Agility Camp: July 6 - 10
Middle School Speed & Agility Camp: July 13 - 17
Lineman Camp: July 20 - 24

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

D1 Greenville Names Character Athlete of the Month

TyQuentin Coleman is D1 Greenville’s March Character Athlete of the Month. He is not only a great athlete, but his performance in the classroom has improved to make him college eligible. TyQuentin trains in the D1 Domination Group (15-18 year olds). D1’s March Word of the Month was DEDICATION. "The intensity he brings to the group makes other athletes around him work at another level. His dedication has got him to the point where he can compete with any other athlete in the nation," says his D1 coach, Terrence Savage. Congratulations TyQuentin!

Reynaldo Hill Playing Waiting Game at D1

The Tennessean highlighted a couple players who are unrestricted free agents including Reynaldo Hill who is training at D1 and hoping his agent Drew Rosenhaus gets a deal done for him soon with a new NFL team. Click here to read.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Washington Center Hits it Big at D1

Kids from Washington Center made the day for D1 Greenville when they came out recently for a field trip to experience high-level training. Washington Center is a Greenville County public school serving moderate and severe mentally and physically disabled students ages 5-21. They proved their daily motto, "Those You Think Cannot...Can!" Great job!

D1 Knoxville Names Character Athlete of the Month

Hayden Bright is D1 Knoxville’s March Character Athlete of the Month. He is a 13 year old who plays football at Karns Middle School. Hayden trains in the D1 Developmental Group (12-14 year olds). D1’s March's Word of the Month was Dedication. "Hayden pushes himself everytime he works out, and he is more dedicated than any other athlete I train. This character trait is what separates him from the other athletes that he trains with and is why he has been nominated as this month’s character athlete," states his D1 Coach, Zarif Karwandyar. Hayden, keep up the hard work and Dedication!

Monday, April 6, 2009

Friday, April 3, 2009

Briscoe Still Making an Impact with NFL Prep

Josh Briscoe will be speaking at a "Combine Testing Day" at D1 Knoxville on Saturday, April 4th from 3-6pm. The event is free and open to the public. They'll be talking to kids about athletics, academics, the right way to get into college and how to be successful while there.

Michael Oher Credits D1 in AP Blog

Check out the Associated Press blog on Ole Miss OT Michael Oher. After the Combine, Oher came to D1 to improve his stock for his Pro Day. He wrote, "After the combine, I went down to Nashville and worked out with Kurt Hester (at D1 sports training), who got me a lot better in three weeks.” Click here to read the whole thing.

Come out for 6th Annual D1/TOC Sports Medicine Seminar

D1 Knoxville and TOC is hosting a FREE Sports Medicine Seminar. The event is Saturday April 25th, from 8am until Noon with a free lunch. During the morning seminar, Physicians from TOC along with D1 Coaches will discuss the latest techniques for treating injuries and enhancing performance. A variety of topics will be presented on sports injuries and other athletic concerns. To register, you must call 865-966-5973 no later than April 23rd.

HealthQuest a Real Success at D1


HealthQuest On The HomeStretch from Debbie Alan on Vimeo.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

D1's RA Dickey Makes Twins Starting Rotation

After battling all Spring Training, RA Dickey learned he will tentatively start Friday versus the Chicago White Sox. RA pitched four scoreless innings Wednesday in a Spring Training game to state his case to make the roster. He said prior to learning he made the team, "I feel like I've done enough to put it completely in their hands, which is all you can hope for. I'm really just hopeful. I'm living with the hope that I'm an important piece of this team. That's why I signed here." Click here to read more about that tough decision.

D1's Kaluka Maiava Gains Momentum

D1's Kaluka Maiava ran a 4.64 at the USC pro day. Despite tweaking his hamstring at his pro day, Pro Football Weekly claimed Maiava has recently "gained increased momentum on the scouting trails after playing well late in the season."

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Pearce Shows Off for Scouts

Scouts came out to the Memphis Pro Day to see D1's Brandon Pearce and he did not disappoint. Brandon ran a 5.31 and 5.35 in the 40, had a 26 1/2-inch vertical jump, an 8-foot, 6-inch broad jump, a 4.78 short shuttle, a 7.77 three-cone drill and did 23 bench press reps. Great job Brandon!

D1's Lockett Has Great Pro Day at UCLA

Safety Bret Lockett ran a pair of impressive 40s and clocked in at 4.49 and 4.45 seconds, which would have been the second-best time among safeties at the combine. He broad-jumped 10 feet, 2 inches, had a vertical jump of 36 inches and benched pressed 225 pounds 19 times despite barely training for it because of the forearm break he suffered at the end of the season. Good job Bret.