WE TRAIN HERE: A current look at some of D1's athletes

Below is a look at some of D1's standout athletes from the various facilities and a quick run down on how they are currently doing:

Chattanooga

Tony Brown
Defensive tackle Tony Brown will likely line up alongside Haynesworth for another strong year. Brown had 52 tackles and four sacks in 2007,

“I think this is going to be his breakout year,” Vanden Bosch said. “Me, Albert and Jevon, I think will get a lot of attention from offenses scheme-wise, blocking-wise. Tony has really worked on improving his game to being a playmaker, and I think he’s going to be one to surprise a lot of people this year.”

Greenville

Brian Bratton
Brian Bratton, wide receiver for CFL team Montreal Alouettes, has contributed greatly to his team’s three game winning streak. In game five of the season against the BC Lions, Bratton scored a 75-yard touchdown from quarterback Anthony Calvillo. During their game against the Toronto Argonauts the duo has connected successfully for the fourth time this season to put the Als in the lead. Bratton’s touchdown catch versus the Winnipeg (Blue Bombers) put the Als ahead 26-4 right before the half. This gave the team a well-earned cushion for the competition they would have to face during the second half of the game against the Blue Bombers.

Bratton’s next game will be on Friday August 29, 2008 against the BC Lions at Montreal.

Huntsville

Jason Bosley
Senior Jason Bosley will be starting this year as center for the Auburn Tigers. Jason started all 13 games in 2007 and has led the line during the transition to the spread offense.

Reshard Langford
Reshard Langford emerges this season as one of the top players for the Vanderbilt Commodores. Langford is considered one of the most respected safeties in the SEC, and was recently elected as one of three captains for the Commodores. He has not left the lineup since beginning as a redshirt freshman in 2005, and has started in 35 consecutive games. With eight career interceptions, Langford was named to the coaches’ preseason All-SEC team this summer.

Amobi Okoye
The talented defensive tackle already has a spotlight on his back for his second season with the Texans. Okoye began turning heads during his rookie season by racking up an impressive 32 tackles and 5 sacks. He is being compared to NFL great Warren Sapp for his ability to collapse the pocket and stuff the run.

Philip Rivers
With a current preseason record of 2-1, Chargers QB Philip Rivers looks to have a promising season ahead of him. Coming back from a recent knee surgery, Rivers played for three quarters in the Chargers’ third preseason game and led San Diego to ten points, completing 11 of 21 passes for 143 yards.

Knoxville

Chase Headley
Despite a disappointing run by the Padres, left fielder, Chase Headley has established himself as a solid player for the team. Headley’s multiple RBI’s and formidable hits have kept the team going in several close games that resulted in narrow losses.

Scott Stallings
Scott tied for third at the rain-shortened ComSouth Classic in Hawkinsville, Ga., for the biggest payday of his career. He earned $9,479 for his two-day total of 134, three shots off the lead.

Monica Abbott
During the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, Monica Abbott wowed softball fans by pitching a perfect game to help the U.S. softball team to an 8-0 victory over the Netherlands at Fengtai Softball Field. The US Softball team brought home the silver medal after a close game against Japan which ended 3-2.

Jerome Felton

Jerome Felton, fullback for the Detroit Lions, is projected to have a great impact on the team this season. Felton made an impression on the Lions’ coaches early in the scouting process and has continued to impress them. He is a dynamic player who has the ability to carry the ball as a tailback as well as take on the traditional role of a fullback

“Jerome is a guy that had 63 touchdowns in college, so he knows how to run the ball,” said running backs coach Sam Gash. “We can possibly find short-yardage situations for him, but he’s coming in here as a fullback. Being a fullback you have to almost accept your role and know that you’re a complimentary player.”

Felton finds himself at an advantage since he ran a zone scheme in college.

Jerod Mayo
Jerod Mayo was drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round (10th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft.
http://www.patriots.com/mediacenter/index.cfm?ac=audionewsdetail&pid=33198&pcid=0

Nashville

David Thornton
A minor ankle injury has Thornton sitting out on the Titans' preseason game against Green Bay. But nonetheless, the star linebacker is looking forward to the upcoming season with the Titans. Thornton had an impressive showing in 2007, leading the Titans in tackles with 140 tackles and a career high, 2 interceptions.

Darcy Hordichuk
Former Nashville Predators forward, Darcy Hordichuk, signed with the Vancouver Canucks on July 1^st of 2008. Known for being an extremely physical player and accomplished figher, Hordichuck’s arrival is eagerly awaited by accomplished Canuck’s goalie and former teammate Roberto Luongo.

Vincent Fuller
Vincent Fuller recently discussed his role as nickel back for the Titans saying, “I relish that role because it’s a role that this defense puts a lot of responsibility on and because it helps me to contribute to the team. I think I did a suitable job last year, and in playing it again this year I’ve gotten more comfortable and tried to improve on things to help me play better this upcoming season.”

Fuller finished the year with 35 tackles last season and two interceptions, both of which were returned for touchdowns. Head Coach Jeff Fisher told reporters early in training camp that another player would have to play extremely well to overtake Fuller at the nickel back spot this campaign

Update on other Combine Guys

Here is an update on some of our older D1 Combine guys.

Cody Spencer continues to fight for a spot in his 3rd season with the Jets. Spencer had five tackles and two sacks in Favre's debut with the Jets.

Scott Wells is entering his 5th season with the Packers. He has been a consistent force starting at center for Green Bay. Right now though, he is battling a lower back injury.

Tyson Clabo is working with the first team on the left side of the o-line with the Falcons.

Gibril Wilson recently signed a $34 million, six year contract with the Oakland Raiders. He had 70 tackles and career high 4 interceptions last season. Wilson also holds the record for most solo tackles by a safety in the past three years. He brings a toughness to the Raiders.

D1 Adds Nate Bandy

With Cos Dematteo heading to Baylor High School to help their receivers, D1 Chattanooga added Nate Bandy to their full-time staff as facility coordinator. Bandy has been helping his long-time teammate, Dematteo, as an assistant coach at D1 for a long while. Bandy even went down to coach for D1 at the Manning Passing Academy in Louisiana recently.

Bandy, who claims to be smarter than Dematteo, had a great career at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga before going to camp with the Tennessee Titans (right) and Nashville Kats and also playing in NFL Europe as a tight end.

Welcome Nate! We'll miss you, Cos (but we'll never forget you).

And now the 2006 class

The 2006 Combine Class was pretty special. Check out how they are doing.

Brodie Croyle, the third-year pro from Alabama is having a great camp as he looks to be the starter. Croyle led the Chiefs on a 16-play drive against the Bears' first-team defense to open preseason last week.

After a great first year that led the Chargers to the Pro Bowl, Marcus McNeil has continued to improve his game and will surely be a standout for San Diego this season.

DeAngelo Williams scored on runs of 1 and 10 yards, both after mistakes by quarterback Jim Sorgi, as the Panthers beat the visiting Colts in their preseason game. Williams finished the game with nine carries for 55 yards.

In their preseason bout against the Colts, Panthers’ WR Chris Hannon made two grabs for 46 yards.

Ingle Martin saw playing time during the second half of the Titans’ preseason opener against the Rams, even attempting a dive for touchdown which he barely missed.

Ben Obomanu, the Auburn graduate has went from a first year practice squad receiver for the Seahawks to a contender for the third WR slot this fall.

After starting his NFL career with the Patriots, Garrett Mills was acquired by the Minnesota Vikings last fall. This fall, Mills has experienced a sprained left ankle that has sidelined him for most of camp. Mills continues to work hard to get healthy and get back on the field.

Bobby Carpenter is heading into his 3rd season with the Cowboys. As a key special teams player, he is looking to break into the OLB or ILB rotation.

Catching up with the 2007 D1 Combine Class

Here is a run down on how some of the 2007 D1 Combine Class is doing in the NFL.

Usama Young has been providing big sparks for the defense at training camp with the New Orleans Saints. He has been described overall as doing “extremely well.” Not that we're surprised.

Doug Free is handling the left tackle spot very well and looks to be a promising asset to the Cowboys this season. He is even practicing a little with the first team.

Le’Ron McClain of the Baltimore Ravens has really been proving himself and looks to get some playing time this year, and could potentially start at fullback.

Cornerback Ramzee Robinson went from the last pick of last year's draft to making the Lions roster this year. His coach said, "Good player. He just keeps showing up as a corner out there."

Brandon Frye has been working at camp to improve his skills at both guard and tackle. He looks forward to his second season with the Texans.

Tracking the 2008 D1 Combine Class

Now that at least one preseason game is in the books, D1 wanted to track the 2008 Combine class.

Jason Jones, the second pick of the Titans, was the only rookie to start in the first preseason game. All-Pro DT Albert Haynesworth heaped praise on the rookie's play.

The second selection of the D1 Combine class showed his skills by catching a touchdown on the Chiefs opening drive. Tight end Brad Cottam has also roomed with All-Pro Tony Gonzalez and is learning a little about work ethic.

Titans Coach Jeff Fisher said of third-round pick Craig Stevens, that he is a fast learner.

Center Kory Lichtensteiger made his debut for the Broncos versus the Texans.

Jerome Felton has been solid for the Lions.

Frank Okam is learning to trust himself with the Texans as he looks to break the top eight.

Steve Justice is helping the Colts running game.

And Caleb Campbell... well, there has been a lot said about Caleb Campbell including a story by fellow Combiner Clay Travis. We'll be ready to train him when he gets ready for the NFL again.

Peyton Hillis is still recovering from a left hamstring injury.

People are calling Geoff Schwartz a steal.

Wide reciever Marcus Monk is going to be needed by the Bears to make some big receptions.

J. Leman is fighting for a roster spot.

Tom Santi is still working back from knee surgery.

So far, it looks like the guys are off to a good start. We'll keep you posted.

D1 Combine Athlete Makes Impressive Show at Preseason Game

Second round draft pick, Jason Jones, was the only Titans rookie to start in Saturday's preseason opener against the St. Louis Rams. Filling in for injured veteran Tony Brown, Jones grabbed Rams running back Brian Leonard in the backfield during the first quarter and tossed him for a 3 yard loss.

"Those plays gave me a little bit of confidence, but I'm far from where i need to be," Jones said. "I want to improve and get ready for Oakland next week."

During the course of the game, Jones had four tackles as the Titans defeated the Rams 34-13.

"Including my rookie year, I've never seen a rookie that far along," said Albert Haynesworth, a seventh-year pro. "If he keeps working like he is, he's going to be really, really good."

Dickey Contributes to Another Win by the Mariners

In their game against the Twins on August 5th, Dickey pitched seven solid innings which which put the Mariners in a position to defeat Minnesota 8-7.

"I kept us in the ballgame. I put up a quality start," Dickey said. "Sure, I'd like to win the game, but we won the game and we've won three in a row -- it's kind of fun. It brings a little bit of energy into the clubhouse."

R.A. Dickey Helps Mariners Pull Out an 8-5 Win Over the Rangers

D1 athlete R.A. Dickey put on quite a show last Thursday night when the Mariners put him in against his former teammates from the Rangers. Dickey shut down the Rangers for nearly 8 innings before his team held out for an 8-5 win and a split of the four game series.

"Realistically, I feel like every time I go out there, it's like that," Dickey said of the need to pick up innings for the team. "I'm glad that I'm physically able, with that pitch I throw, to be able to do that."

The Results are in...

The D1 Testing Night event on July 31st allowed for some of our outstanding athletes to showcase their skills in front of a crowd and prove just how effective their training has been. We wanted to take an opportunity to spotlight some of these exceptional participants at each facility:

D1 Nashville

7-11 year olds: Christian Connor- 6’0” broad jump

12-14 year olds: Ryan Dolan- 5.0 second pro agility drill

15-18 year olds: Reuben Coopwood- 4.85 second 40

College: Steve Hendricks- 9 foot broad jump, 15 pull-ups, 4.84 second 40

Executives: Clement Flemming- 4.8 second 40

D1 Knoxville

7-11 year olds: Cole Hilton had a 73" broad jump and ran the 10 yard dash in 1.88 seconds

12-14 year olds: Michael Schoonover did 15 pull-ups and ran a 2.9 second 20

15-18 year olds: Bryson Welch-4.83 second 40

Collegiate and Total Fit: Sean Prickell-300lb bench press, Damien Jolivette 120" broad jump

D1 Chattanooga

7-11 year olds: Andy Wallace ran a 3.4 second 20 and did 6 pull-ups

12-14 year olds: Houston Clements ran a 4.69 second 40 and had a 25.5 inch vertical jump, Reggie Upshaw had a broad jump of 6’11”

15-18 year olds: Michael Carter bench pressed 395 pounds and had a 28 inch vertical jump

D1 Huntsville

7-11 year olds: Logan Storye ran the 20 in 2.9 seconds and Collin Pryzbysz completed 14 pull-ups

12-14 year olds: Jordan Drake had a broad jump of 7 feet 7 inches

15-18 year olds: Terrance Pride ran the 40 at a lightning quick speed of 4.64

Executives: Ray Drake completed the 40 in 4.97 seconds and Ken Oti benched a staggering 395 pounds

D1 Greenville

7-11 year olds: DJ Davis completed 55 Push-Up

12-14 year olds: Caleb Harris had a 6'6" broad jump

15-18 year olds: Bench 310 lbs and 4.66 sec 40 yard dash

Collegiate: Nick Swindler benched 365 pounds

Huntsville Testing Night

Sweet Home Alabama

D1 Huntsville saw its inaugural testing night on Thursday the 31st. To make sure that Huntsville Facility Coordinator, Corey Remillard, could handle everything that this event entailed, D1 Corporate sent its top Marketing & PR assistants, Jaci Hills and Cory Blankenship, to oversee things. Cory, a Nashville native, took the role of driving while Jaci, a transplant from Chicago, acted as co-pilot and enjoyed the sights of her first venture into Alabama.

The trip began on a slightly disappointing note for Hills. The unfortunate placement of a landscaping crew prevented her from achieving her goal of taking a new facebook profile picture by the “Welcome to Alabama” sign. Luckily, though, soon after entering Alabama the two were able to stop by the Saturn space rocket replica located on the side of I-65 and take a few entertaining pictures. Hills was especially captivated with a stone monument with the inscription “ALABAMA We Dare Defend Our Rights” which she described as “so typically southern.”

The remainder of the drive down was fairly uneventful with the exception of Remillard’s multiple calls to Blankenship’s cell phone in a failed effort to avoid Jaci’s ruthless trash talking that began nearly three months ago when they first began conducting business over the phone. The Huntsville Facility Coordinator thought that he could handle this feisty Purdue grad, but had no idea what was in store for him.

The exchange of smack talk which began at the introductions was one that will go down in the history books. Hills responded to the handshake of the vertically challenged Remillard with the quip “I thought you’d be taller.” Remillard retaliated with a list of “10 things I hate about you” on the facility’s dry erase board. His list included items such as:
•Your shoes
•Pitiful attempts at making fun of me
•Jealous of me

He gave a valiant effort throughout the day, but ultimately Remillard’s attempts to one up Hills fell far short.

The actual Testing Night event turned out to be rather successful for Huntsville’s first attempt at it. Over 50 individuals turned out to participate, and the activities were well received by friends and families of the athletes. Highlights of the night included:
•Seeing Remillard tackled multiple times throughout the night by 8 year olds, roughly his same height
•Seeing an executive member run the 40 in 4.9 seconds
•Capturing Remillard dancing on video camera
•Not having the police called on noise complaints

All in all… a good night. A lot of athletes were tested, a lot of trash was talked, and the rivalry between Nashville and Huntsville only grew stronger. Next time, the gloves come off and we stop playing games.

Watch the video below to see Corey dance!