D1's Jermain Taylor Gets Shot at Belt

D1 co-owner Jermain Taylor is training for another title shot. Ozell Nelson, Taylor’s trainer, confirmed to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette that Taylor, the former middleweight champion, will fight Englishman Carl Froch (24-0, 19 KOs) for the World Boxing Council super middleweight title on either April 18 or April 25. A site has not been determined, although it will definitely be in the United States. The fight will be televised on Showtime. Froch won the world title vacated by Joe Calzaghe with a unanimous decision over Jean Pascal on Dec. 6. Taylor (28-2-1, 17 KOs) earned this title shot with a decisive victory over Jeff Lacy on Nov. 15. For the whole story, click here.

D1's Blake James Backs Off Auburn

D1 Little Rock's linebacker/fullback Blake James knew where he wanted to play college football. That is, until Tommy Tuberville resigned under pressure as head coach at Auburn. The departure of Tuberville threw a curveball into James' plans to be a Tiger. Read the whole story here.

Former D1 Guys Sign Big Contracts

Albert Haynesworth, who has trained at D1, signed a $100 million seven-year deal with the Redskins. Former D1 athlete, Gibril Wilson signed a five-year deal worth $27.5 million with the Miami Dolphins. Also, former D1 Combine athlete Frank Omiyale signed a four-year, $14 million deal with the Chicago Bears.

SI High on D1's Brandon Underwood

Look what SportsIllustrated.com has to say about Brandon Underwood after the NFL Combine: Underwood gets lost amidst the big names in the Bearcats secondary yet could he end up as the best NFL player of the bunch. He ran well, timing under 4.5 seconds in both runnings of the 40. Underwood later showed a lot of skill in the position drills. He has the versatility to play either cornerback or safety and the underrated defensive back stated his case to be a top-75 pick.

Top Wrestler Randi King Trains at Chattanooga

Congratulations to D1 Chattanooga athlete, Randi King, on her impressive wrestling accomplishments! With titles under her belt such as 2008 All American Wrestler, USA National Silver Medalist, and USGWA National Bronze Medalist, Randi has a bright future ahead of her. D1 is proud to be able to help athletes like Randi improve their athletic abilities.

Get to Know Combine Knoxville Athlete Adam Myers-White

In his own words with S Adam Myers-White from the University of Tennessee. Adam is working out in Knoxville for his Pro Day at UT. "My favorite NFL team growing up was the San Francisco 49ers. A player that I would least like to go against in the NFL is Reggie Bush. A player I always looked up to as a kid was Jerry Rice. I love D1 because the coaches really push you to work hard. A hidden talent that nobody knows about me is that I plan on going to medical school if football doesn't work out."

Read about D1's Kropog at the NFL Combine

D1's Troy Kropog rose before 6 a.m. Wednesday in Nashville, Tenn., and drove the five hours to central Indiana. Before noon, the offensive tackle from Tulane checked in at the Crowne Plaza hotel and almost immediately got on a small bus that took him to a hospital, where he underwent an EKG and chest X-rays and gave an extensive medical history. Click here to read the whole story.

D1's Dickey Tries to Catch on with the Twins

When Twins pitchers gather on the grass for their daily warmup tosses, D1's R.A. Dickey moves to the side of the formation. His throwing partner, bullpen catcher Nate Dammann, quickly puts on a mask. Click here to read the full story in the Tennessean.

D1 Little Rock's Adam Harben Going to Double-A

D1 athlete Adam Harben has signed with the Mariners and will be assigned to the Tennessee Diamond Jaxx in Jackson, TN following Spring Training. Harben has been working out at D1 Little Rock since its opening. Harben graduated, in 2001, from Central Arkansas Christian High School. He was taken by the Minnesota Twins in the 15th round in 2002 MLB Draft. Harben played in the Twins minor league system from 2002 until 2006 when he was traded to the Cubs to complete a trade in which the Cubs sent Phil Nevin to the Twins. After an injury, Adam was released and recently picked up by the Mariners. Good luck and congrats Adam!

Chattanooga PrepChamps Combine a Success

Chattanooga's high school Combine with PrepChamps on Saturday had 72 football players come out to get tested and ultimately recruited. Nashville's PrepChamps Combine is Saturday with already 140 football players registered. Click here for more info on PrepChamps.

Will Davis and Kaluka Maiava Post Top 10 Scores at the NFL Combine

On Monday, D1's Will Davis tied for the seventh longest broad jump among defensive ends at the NFL Combine despite being pretty sick. Kaluka Maiava added another Top 10 performance when he had the fifth fastest 3-cone time among the linebackers. Nice job!

D1 to Assist in Belmont University's National Fitness Day

On Wed., Feb. 25, D1 is scheduled to assist in Belmont University's National Fitness Day. At 10 am, D1 coaches will be holding a Fitness Convocation at the Beaman Student Life Center. At 5 p.m., D1 will hold a Fitness Challenge at the Recreation Gym. Click here for more info.

Maiava, Southerland and Dillard Shine at Combine

At the Combine on Sunday, Jarett Dillard impressed a lot of scouts when he recorded the top vertical jump and broad jump among the receivers. Kaluka Maiava tied for second among linebackers with 30 in the bench press. Brannan Southerland was fourth among running backs in the vertical jump and ninth in the broad jump. Yesterday, Brannan was third in the bench press. Also yesterday, Xavier Fulton was a Top 10 performer in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump, 3-cone drill and the 20-yard shuttle. Congrats guys! We're proud you trained at D1.

NFL hopefuls flock to Cool Springs

Click here to read the story in the Tennessean.

Xavier Fulton and Brannan Southerland Show Well at the Combine

D1's Xavier Fulton showed well at the NFL Combine. In the first day of testing, Xavier was a Top 10 performer in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump, 3-cone drill and the 20-yard shuttle. Here is what CNNSI has to say, "Fulton was impressive from the start of the combine as he completed 27 repetitions of 225 pounds on the bench press Friday, then ran his 40 in a time of 4.91 seconds on both tries. He later looked terrific in position drills. Fulton has been dealing with a shoulder injury since tearing a labrum in the middle of the season. He could have very easily bowed out of performing at the combine but decided to give it a go. Fulton will have surgery to repair the injury next week."

Also, Brannan Southerland was third out of the running backs in the bench press with 29. Great job Xavier and Brannan.

Titans Radio Breaks Down D1 Combine

Click here to read the story.

Memphis Blast Working out at D1 Memphis

Minor pro football team Memphis Blast is now working out at D1 Memphis. Good luck guys!

The Life of an NFL Draft Prospect with Athlon Sports

Click here to read The Life of an NFL Draft Prospect with Jeremiah Johnson by Athlon Sports. Very Cool!

Detroit Lions Jerome Felton Comes Back to D1

Jerome Felton trained at D1 before being drafted by the Lions and now is back after his rookie season. The Sequoyah High and Furman University star was drafted in the fifth round as a fullback. Click here to watch the video.

Sam Bartholomew Featured in Tennessean

Click here to read the impact that Sam Bartholomew has made on the state of Tennessee's sports landscape.

Watch Signings of Jackson, Johnson and Smith

Below is a clip of D1 Knoxville athlete Will Jackson from Farragut High School signing with Georgia Tech. Click here to see the video of D1 Knoxville athlete Vincent Johnson from Fulton High School signing with Austin Peay and click here to see D1 Knoxville athlete Justin Smith from Maryville High School signing with VMI. Great job guys!

Titans Radio Clip on D1

Here is a clip of the feature on the D1 Combine Class on Titans Radio. The entire Combine show will air on Titans Radio in Nashville on 104.5 The Zone from 6 pm - 7 pm CT. Go to TitansRadio.com to see if it airing in your local area.

NFL Combine Begins

Good luck to the below guys as they head to the NFL Combine. Watch them on NFL Network!

Will Davis, DE, Illinois
Jarett Dillard, WR, Rice
Xavier Fulton, OT Illinois
Jeremiah Johnson, RB, Oregon
Troy Kropog, OT, Tulane
Kaluka Maiava, LB, Southern Cal
Brannan Southerland, FB, Georgia
Brandon Underwood, SS, Cincinnati
DeAndre Wright, DB, New Mexico

Ramzee Robinson Training at D1 Huntsville

Click here and go to the 1:28 mark on the segment to see Channel 48 in Huntsville's feature on Ramzee Robinson.

Get To Know Combine Athlete Lucas Taylor

In his own words with WR Lucas Taylor from Tennessee. Lucas is working out in the D1 Combine Class. "My favorite NFL team growing up was the San Francisco 49ers because of Jerry Rice. If you ask me, I believe I am the best player in the draft this year because I am a playmaker. My least favorite college football team has to be Florida. They were our rivals. I don’t have a player that I would least like to go against at the next level. A team should draft me because I am a playmaker. I can catch anywhere on the field and can block when I need to. My favorite thing about Nashville has to be D1."

Briscoe Blogs Again

Click here to check out his blog on GoVolsXtra.com as he trains at D1 Knoxville and D1 Little Rock.

D1 Combine Featured on Nashville ABC

Go to the 4:42 mark on the segment to see Channel 2 in Nashville feature the D1 Combine class.

Draft Daddy Features D1 Combine Class

Click here to read the player interviews from the D1 Combine Class on DraftDaddy.com.

Get To Know Combine Athlete Troy Kropog

In his own words with OT Troy Kropog from Tulane. Troy is working out in the D1 Combine Class. "My favorite NFL team growing up was the New Orleans Saints, it was my home team. I don’t know who the best player in the draft is this year. There are so many elite players it is very hard to pick one. After the draft is over, we’ll see who the best is. My least favorite college football team has to be Eastern Michigan because T.J. Lang went there. A player that I would least like to go against in the NFL has to be my self at Defensive End. A team should draft me because I’m the best tackle in the draft. My favorite thing about Nashville has to be D1 and the people here."

Tennessean writer blogs about UT guys at D1 Combine

Here is a clip from the blog: On Tuesday afternoon, I stopped by DI, a sports training facility in Franklin, to check out several former college football players preparing for the NFL. Local readers might recognize two names – linebacker Ellix Wilson and receiver Lucas Taylor, both former University of Tennessee standouts. They hope strong showings at Tennessee’s Pro Day on March 11 will increase their chances of landing in the NFL. Click here to read more.

Listen to Will Davis and Xavier Fulton

Click here to check out Will Davis and Xavier Fulton talking about D1's training on the University of Illinois website.

Get To Know Combine Athlete Anthony Scirrotto

In his own words with S Anthony Scirrotto from Penn State. Anthony is working out in the D1 Combine Class. "My favorite NFL team growing up was the Philadephia Eagles. If you ask me, I believe I am the best player in the NFL draft. I'm sweet! My least favorite college football team has to be Illinois. A player that I would least like to go against in the NFL has to be Randy Moss. Do I have to give a reason? A team should draft me because I love the game, I play my hardest every play, and I am always around the ball. My favorite thing about Nashville has to be D1 and the people here are really nice."

Cassie Cochran Signs with Bryan College

Congratulations to D1 Chattanooga athlete Cassie Cochran on her recent signing with Bryan College! While in school at Northwest Whitfield, Cassie has been training with Nate Bandy and his crew to help take her volleyball game to the next level. Great job Cassie, we're all really proud of you!

Tyler Huffine D1 Knoxville Character Athlete of the Month

Tyler Huffine was D1 Knoxville's January Character Athlete of the Month. Tyler is a sophomore at Oliver Springs High School. He plays both WR and DB and is part of D1's Domination group (15-18 year olds). January's Word of the Month was RESPECT, a trait that Tyler displays everyday according to his D1 coach, Zarif Karwandyar. Tyler arrives everyday prepared to work. He never complains about the difficulty of any workout and puts all of his energy and effort into every drill until he correctly learns it. Congratulations Tyler on a well-deserved honor!

CLICK HERE to view previous Character Athletes of the Month!

Zac Cole Signs with Henderson State

Here are five questions with Zac Cole who just signed to play football at Henderson State University. Zac works out at D1 Little Rock. Way to go Zac!

Ray Lewis is the NFL player that I would least want to face. I have look up to Kurt Warner as a player I want to model my game and life after. My favorite parts about D1 is the Speed Training and Lifting Weights. My secret talent is walking on my hands. My favorite Bible verse is Col. 3:23, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."

11-year old Reports on the D1 Combine

Check out Cameron Presson's review of his trip to D1 to interview some of the Combine guys. More interviews to follow. Click here to go to camsports.

Kaluka Maiava Featured on Rivals.com

Here is a clip from the Rivals.com feature on D1 Combine athlete Kaluka Maiava. Click here to read the full story.

He could’ve stayed in Los Angeles or gone to a similar facility in Phoenix, but he felt the less-hectic Nashville area was more conducive to reaching his goals.

“I love training here,” he said. “Every week I’ve gotten stronger and faster. I had to stay focused so I had to get out of Hollywood. I can get to bed early and work out all day.”

Jarrett Dillard Featured on Rivals.com

Check out D1 Combine athlete Jarrett Dillard feature on Rivals.com. Click here to read the full story or check out a segment below.

He has spent the past several weeks at the D1 training complex in Franklin, Tenn., hoping to become the first Rice player in six years to be selected in the NFL draft.

"I never dreamed this and I never expected to be here," Dillard said a few minutes before starting another grueling workout, which has become as much a part of his daily routine as brushing his teeth. "I thought I'd go to Rice, play my heart out and graduate. But here I am in Nashville, training for the NFL Combine."

Jeremy Cowart Combine Photo

The first photo from the Combine photo shoot is in. Check out Jarrett Dillard, Darius Hill, Jeremiah Johnson, Casey Dick and Brannan Southerland.

Get To Know Combine Athlete Bret Lockett

In his own words with SS Bret Lockett from UCLA. Bret is working out in the D1 Combine Class. "My favorite NFL team growing up was the Cowboys. My dad liked them as well as my whole family. I think the best player in the draft this year is Rey Maualuga. He's a diverse player. He plays with a lot of speed and intensity. My least favorite college team would have to be USC, they were our rivals. A player that I would least like to go against in the NFL has to be Brandon Jacobs; he's really big, strong, and fast. A team should draft me because I'm a leader; I have a great work ethic, and will bring a lot of intensity. My favorite thing about Nashville is that it's really mellow here and a great place to focus on what I have to do."

Get to Know Combine Knoxville Athlete Josh Briscoe

In his own words with WR Josh Briscoe from the University of Tennessee. Josh is working out in Knoxville for his Pro Day at UT. "My favorite NFL team growing up was the Dallas Cowboys. A player that I would least like to go against in the NFL is Ray Lewis. A player I always looked up to as a kid was Jerry Rice. I love D1 because it has the best training I've seen. A hidden talent that nobody knows about me is that I have a black belt in Tae Kwon Doe."

Calling All Sports Interns

D1 is looking for those interested in a sports internship. The internship opportunity options range from training on the turf, marketing and PR, to accounting. The internships are unpaid. Click here for more info.

Peyton Manning on Stack Magazine

Get To Know Combine Athlete Will Davis

In his own words with DE Will Davis from the University of Illinois. Will is working out in the D1 Combine Class. "My favorite NFL team growing up was the Dallas Cowboys. I’m the best player in the whole draft because I can’t be stopped. My least favorite college football team has to be Northwestern. A player that I would least like to go against is no one. I want to compete against anybody out there. I would love to go against anybody. A team should draft me because I’m unstoppable, I have great character, great work ethic, I’m a great teammate, I love the game, and even more, I love the competition. My favorite thing about Nashville has to be D1 and Nashville has some real nice people here."

Rizon Media Produces D1 Video

Jeremy Cowart's D1 Combine Photo Shoot

Photographer Jeremy Cowart and the D1 Combine Class had fun with a photo shoot at the Nashville facility. Here is a behind the scenes photo. Check back for the Combine photo shoot pictures. Click here for a link to Jeremy's website.

Check out Josh Briscoe's Latest Training Blog

Click here to check out former Tennessee wide receiver Josh Briscoe's blog on the Knoxville News Sentinel's GoVolsXtra page.

Sam Bartholomew to be Inducted into Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame

D1 would like to congratulate Sam Bartholomew, father of D1 founder Will Bartholomew, on the recent announcement that he will become a Lifetime Achievement inductee into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame on February 20th. A Kingsport, TN native, Bartholomew was an All-State selection his senior year and led Dobyns-Bennett High School to two state football championships. He was recruited by Coach Paul Dietzel to play at the United States Military Academy and was Captain of the first Army team to play in Neyland Stadium in 1965. His highlights include: founding member and director of the Nashville Sports Council and the Music City Bowl; President and Board member of the TSHF for 12 years; Board member Middle Tennessee Football Foundation; and Tennessee NFL Committee. Instrumental in bringing the Titans to Tennessee, he chaired the "Just Build It' Committee raising over $100 million in suite sales essential in getting the Houston Oilers to Nashville. Congratulations on this great acheivement!!

Get To Know Combine Athlete DeAndre Wright

In his own words with CB DeAndre Wright from the University of New Mexico. DeAndre is working out in the D1 Combine Class. "My favorite team growing up was the Pittsburgh Steelers. I don't know who is the best player in the draft this year. Everyone is starting out their career fresh and has something to prove. My least favorite college football team has to be the New Mexico State Aggies, our rivals. A player that I would least like to go against in the NFL is Steve Smith. I might need some years under my belt before I go against him, he's a competitor. A team should draft me because I'm a competitor, I like to win. I'll play any position they ask me to. My favorite thing about Nashville has to be D1; it is helping me prepare for the next level."

Get To Know Combine Athlete Brandon Underwood

In his own words with S Brandon Underwood from the University of Cincinnati. Brandon is working out in the D1 Combine Class. "My favorite NFL team growing up was the 49ers. I was a big Joe Montana fan. I think the best player in the draft this year is Michael Crabtree. He’s a game changer, amazing, and just an all around good player. My least favorite college football team has to be Michigan. I used to go to Ohio State and that was our rival. A player that I would least like to go against is Randy Moss; he can make you one of his highlights. A team should draft me because without me they’ll lose. My favorite thing about Nashville is that it’s a nice community and everything is close."

Signing Day Big for Two Knoxville Athletes

D1 Knoxville athlete OT Will Jackson from Farragut High School is signing with Georgia Tech University on Wednesday. Will is 6’5, 278 lbs and was selected to participate in the Toyota East West All-Star Classic. Also, D1 athlete OT/DE Vince Johnson is signing with Austin Peay University on Wednesday. Vince is 6’7”, 287 lbs. Congrats guys.

Stack Magazine Features Philip Rivers

Also, click here to check out Philip sporting a D1 shirt at a recent Chargers press conference.

Get To Know Combine Athlete Casey Dick

In his own words with QB Casey Dick from the University of Arkansas. Casey is working out in the D1 Combine Class. "My favorite NFL team growing up was the Dallas Cowboys. The best player in the draft this year is Michael Crabtree, he's a game changer. My least favorite college football team is our rival LSU. A player that I would least like to go against in the NFL has to be Ed Reed, he makes plays everywhere. A team should draft me because I never give up; I work hard and can take coaching. My favorite thing about Nashville has to be D1."

Get to Know Combine Athlete Xavier Fulton

In his own words with OT Xavier Fulton from the University of Illinois. Xavier is working out in the D1 Combine Class. "My favorite NFL team growing up was the Chicago Bears, it was my home team. I don’t know who the best player in the draft is this year. There are so many elite players. My least favorite college football team has to be USC. A player that I would least like to go against in the NFL has to be Dwight Freeney or Mario Williams. They’re very fast. A team should draft me because I am one of the most athletic tackles and also very versatile. My favorite thing about Nashville is that the people here are extremely nice; no one is in a bad mood."