20 days ago
Christa Pike is feeling "angry and confused" after waking up in the hospital in the wake of a failed execution attempt that left her with severe physical health challenges that put her on a "long road to recovery," her attorneys said on Wednesday.
Pike had been unconscious and in critical condition in the days after two doses of pentobarbital failed to end her life on Sept. 30, they said.
"On Monday night, it was our understanding that Christa was brain-dead and that life support would be removed the next day," Randy Spivey, a member of her legal team, said during a press conference Wednesday afternoon. "But on Tuesday, to the shock of everyone … Christa woke up and began talking."
Spivey said the effects of the pentobarbital have caused her to develop a blood clot, pneumonia and left her arms and hands "tremendously swollen," to the point where she's not currently able to use them. He added that Pike is still dealing with significant "cognitive confusion," but is "very aware" that the state had tried and failed to end her life.
The press conference came shortly after a hearing in which a judge granted Pike's attorneys' request to order the state to preserve all evidence connected to the execution, including medical equipment, communications related to the decision to call off the procedure or related to her emergency care and "anything that was in the actual room." The judge also ordered that any "barriers" that may prevent Pike from communicating with her attorneys while she's in the hospital be removed.
#attorneys #execution
Pike had been unconscious and in critical condition in the days after two doses of pentobarbital failed to end her life on Sept. 30, they said.
"On Monday night, it was our understanding that Christa was brain-dead and that life support would be removed the next day," Randy Spivey, a member of her legal team, said during a press conference Wednesday afternoon. "But on Tuesday, to the shock of everyone … Christa woke up and began talking."
Spivey said the effects of the pentobarbital have caused her to develop a blood clot, pneumonia and left her arms and hands "tremendously swollen," to the point where she's not currently able to use them. He added that Pike is still dealing with significant "cognitive confusion," but is "very aware" that the state had tried and failed to end her life.
The press conference came shortly after a hearing in which a judge granted Pike's attorneys' request to order the state to preserve all evidence connected to the execution, including medical equipment, communications related to the decision to call off the procedure or related to her emergency care and "anything that was in the actual room." The judge also ordered that any "barriers" that may prevent Pike from communicating with her attorneys while she's in the hospital be removed.
#attorneys #execution
24 days ago
The failed execution of Christa Pike in Tennessee on Wednesday has added new fuel to the longstanding debate over the death penalty in the United States. It has also drawn new scrutiny to the question of whether lethal injection, the nation's primary method of execution for the past 40 years, is truly a "more humane" alternative to other ways of putting someone to death.
Pike was given a death sentence in 1996 after being convicted of killing her classmate, Colleen Slemmer, in an attack she carried out with her then boyfriend. After 30 years on death row, and a last-minute legal battle that temporarily delayed her execution, Pike was scheduled to be put to death on Wednesday night.
However, the two doses of pentobarbital she was given proved not to be fatal. According to witnesses, Pike remained alive and snored loudly for 40 minutes after the drugs were administered. Eventually, the execution was called off and she was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Pike's attorney Randy Spivey reported Thursday afternoon that she was in critical condition and receiving "life-saving care." She was unconscious and placed on a ventilator in the hospital, according to a filing by her legal team on Friday.
Spivey admonished the state for going forward with lethal injection despite his warnings ahead of time that a blood-clotting disorder called thrombocytosis "would cause her to suffer an agonizing death." Pike's attorneys had asked the courts to permit her to die by hanging, but the request was denied.
#pike #years #given
Pike was given a death sentence in 1996 after being convicted of killing her classmate, Colleen Slemmer, in an attack she carried out with her then boyfriend. After 30 years on death row, and a last-minute legal battle that temporarily delayed her execution, Pike was scheduled to be put to death on Wednesday night.
However, the two doses of pentobarbital she was given proved not to be fatal. According to witnesses, Pike remained alive and snored loudly for 40 minutes after the drugs were administered. Eventually, the execution was called off and she was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Pike's attorney Randy Spivey reported Thursday afternoon that she was in critical condition and receiving "life-saving care." She was unconscious and placed on a ventilator in the hospital, according to a filing by her legal team on Friday.
Spivey admonished the state for going forward with lethal injection despite his warnings ahead of time that a blood-clotting disorder called thrombocytosis "would cause her to suffer an agonizing death." Pike's attorneys had asked the courts to permit her to die by hanging, but the request was denied.
#pike #years #given
2 months ago
What is expected to be a strong Kernersville Middle School baseball team opened its season Tuesday afternoon with a 20-1 rout of Northwest Middle School at the Ivey M. Redmon Sports Complex. The game was called on the 10-run rule after three innings.
At the plate, Colton McClendon led the team with four runs on two hits. He drove in the first two runs with a homer to left field in the first inning.
Carter Martin hit a two-run single, and Austin Newcomb followed with an RBI single. Cooper Forsyth and Aaron Thompson both hit RBI singles in the inning.
Colton was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to drive in a run. A walk to Max Garber with the bases loaded brought in another run, and a single by Kamden Rice drove in another run.
KMS added 10 runs on five hits in the bottom of the second inning. An error scored two runs, Colton singled to drove in a run. Kamden doubled, driving in scoring three runs. Jacob King followed with a two-run double. A double by Jayden Rangel scored two runs and Brantley Lawson was struck by a pitch with the bases loaded to drove in the last run of the inning.
#drove #single #kamden
At the plate, Colton McClendon led the team with four runs on two hits. He drove in the first two runs with a homer to left field in the first inning.
Carter Martin hit a two-run single, and Austin Newcomb followed with an RBI single. Cooper Forsyth and Aaron Thompson both hit RBI singles in the inning.
Colton was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to drive in a run. A walk to Max Garber with the bases loaded brought in another run, and a single by Kamden Rice drove in another run.
KMS added 10 runs on five hits in the bottom of the second inning. An error scored two runs, Colton singled to drove in a run. Kamden doubled, driving in scoring three runs. Jacob King followed with a two-run double. A double by Jayden Rangel scored two runs and Brantley Lawson was struck by a pitch with the bases loaded to drove in the last run of the inning.
#drove #single #kamden
2 months ago
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Noah Fifita threw for 262 yards and two touchdowns, Kedrick Reescano ran for two scores and Arizona opened the season with a 35-7 blowout over Northern Arizona on Saturday night.
Coming off a nine-win season, the Wildcats (1-0) kicked off their third year under coach Brent Brennan with a dominating performance.
Fifita, the rare quarterback to play all five seasons with the same school, finished 22 for 29 before sitting out most of the fourth quarter. Arizona's defense held Northern Arizona to 193 total yards — minus-seven rushing — and sacked Ty Pennington five times, including 2 1/2 by Chase Kennedy.
The Wildcats jumped on the Lumberjacks (1-1) early.
Fifita hit Tre Spivey on a 20-yard touchdown on Arizona's opening drive and found Brandon Phelps on a 21-yard score in the second quarter. Fifita also had an 11-yard run, setting up Reescano's 1-yard dive that put the Wildcats up 21-0.
#wildcats #yard #season #tucson
Coming off a nine-win season, the Wildcats (1-0) kicked off their third year under coach Brent Brennan with a dominating performance.
Fifita, the rare quarterback to play all five seasons with the same school, finished 22 for 29 before sitting out most of the fourth quarter. Arizona's defense held Northern Arizona to 193 total yards — minus-seven rushing — and sacked Ty Pennington five times, including 2 1/2 by Chase Kennedy.
The Wildcats jumped on the Lumberjacks (1-1) early.
Fifita hit Tre Spivey on a 20-yard touchdown on Arizona's opening drive and found Brandon Phelps on a 21-yard score in the second quarter. Fifita also had an 11-yard run, setting up Reescano's 1-yard dive that put the Wildcats up 21-0.
#wildcats #yard #season #tucson
2 months ago
The opening week of fall sports was a busy one. Local volleyball teams played multiple games and Astoria soccer teams took the pitch for the first time. Here's what happened on the field and on the court.
Volleyball teams show improvement
Improvement looks to be the name of the game for local volleyball teams.
Seaside, Knappa and Jewell flashed moments of good play during their first official weeks on the court. The Seagulls, under new coach Nicole Aydt, look to be coming into their own. After rebuilding the program behind freshmen, the Seagulls won just one game over the last two seasons.
Now, with many of the players entering their third year in the program, the Lady Gulls' improvement looks to be real. The Seagulls had a solid showing at last Saturday's seven team tournament at Warrenton. Seaside and Warrenton played two great matches against each other including a three-set thriller in the semi-finals. After struggling last season to maintain points, the Seagulls defense, passing and serving was very solid. Junior libero Chloe Baker served great against Warrenton and her defense helped the Seagulls all day Saturday. Senior captain Autumn Fenton and juniors Araya Edwards, Sophia Saso and Tiera Spivey make up a solid group of building blocks for Seaside.
#seagulls #volleyball #played
Volleyball teams show improvement
Improvement looks to be the name of the game for local volleyball teams.
Seaside, Knappa and Jewell flashed moments of good play during their first official weeks on the court. The Seagulls, under new coach Nicole Aydt, look to be coming into their own. After rebuilding the program behind freshmen, the Seagulls won just one game over the last two seasons.
Now, with many of the players entering their third year in the program, the Lady Gulls' improvement looks to be real. The Seagulls had a solid showing at last Saturday's seven team tournament at Warrenton. Seaside and Warrenton played two great matches against each other including a three-set thriller in the semi-finals. After struggling last season to maintain points, the Seagulls defense, passing and serving was very solid. Junior libero Chloe Baker served great against Warrenton and her defense helped the Seagulls all day Saturday. Senior captain Autumn Fenton and juniors Araya Edwards, Sophia Saso and Tiera Spivey make up a solid group of building blocks for Seaside.
#seagulls #volleyball #played
2 months ago
The Seattle Seahawks made the somewhat surprising decision to not just release veteran wide receiver Cody White, but to not even retain him on the practice squad like has been the norm over the past couple of seasons. We now know that the next chapter of White's career will be with his former Seahawks offensive coordinator.
White has signed with the Las Vegas Raiders practice squad, which will reunite him with new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak.
The Raiders have scarcely looked at signing available former Seahawks players, but now they have Cody on the practice squad and free agent signing Dareke Young on their 53-man active roster. If you've taken a look at the Raiders' receiver depth chart, there is a more viable path to game day elevations if not an outright promotion to the active roster for Cody. White joins the waiver-claimed Jared Ivey as the first two Seahawks roster cuts confirmed to be heading elsewhere this season.
White was in competition with Ricky White III, Montorie Foster Jr, and Emmanuel Henderson Jr for the bottom-end of Seattle's wide receiver depth chart. With Jake Bobo out for the year, there figured to be a reasonable chance that Cody would either be on the active roster or signed back to Seattle's practice squad. The fact that neither happened is yet another strong endorsement for the rise of Foster, who appeared to separate himself pretty clearly from Ricky White and Henderson throughout camp and preseason.
We'll always have this moment, Cody White! And you've got a ring as a result.
#squad #roster #active #ricky
White has signed with the Las Vegas Raiders practice squad, which will reunite him with new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak.
The Raiders have scarcely looked at signing available former Seahawks players, but now they have Cody on the practice squad and free agent signing Dareke Young on their 53-man active roster. If you've taken a look at the Raiders' receiver depth chart, there is a more viable path to game day elevations if not an outright promotion to the active roster for Cody. White joins the waiver-claimed Jared Ivey as the first two Seahawks roster cuts confirmed to be heading elsewhere this season.
White was in competition with Ricky White III, Montorie Foster Jr, and Emmanuel Henderson Jr for the bottom-end of Seattle's wide receiver depth chart. With Jake Bobo out for the year, there figured to be a reasonable chance that Cody would either be on the active roster or signed back to Seattle's practice squad. The fact that neither happened is yet another strong endorsement for the rise of Foster, who appeared to separate himself pretty clearly from Ricky White and Henderson throughout camp and preseason.
We'll always have this moment, Cody White! And you've got a ring as a result.
#squad #roster #active #ricky
2 months ago
The Atlanta Falcons are waiving defensive end Zach Harrison from their 53-man roster. The move comes as a major surprise since Harrison was a projected starter on the team's revamped defensive front.
Harrison, a former third-round pick from the 2023 NFL Draft, has appeared in 40 games (8 starts) over three seasons, recording 81 tackles (33 solo), 8.5 sacks and 11 QB hits. The Falcons have also waived defensive backs Natrone Brooks and Jammie Robinson from the 53-man roster.
These moves free up enough spots for the team's three Monday waiver additions. Atlanta claimed linebacker Yasir Abdullah, LB Jared Ivey and offensive tackle Cameron Williams off of waivers from the Jaguars, Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles.
Check out the Falcons' updated 53-man roster and practice squad below.
Michael Penix Jr. (9)
#defensive
Harrison, a former third-round pick from the 2023 NFL Draft, has appeared in 40 games (8 starts) over three seasons, recording 81 tackles (33 solo), 8.5 sacks and 11 QB hits. The Falcons have also waived defensive backs Natrone Brooks and Jammie Robinson from the 53-man roster.
These moves free up enough spots for the team's three Monday waiver additions. Atlanta claimed linebacker Yasir Abdullah, LB Jared Ivey and offensive tackle Cameron Williams off of waivers from the Jaguars, Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles.
Check out the Falcons' updated 53-man roster and practice squad below.
Michael Penix Jr. (9)
#defensive
2 months ago
The NFL's waiver claims period has passed, which means teams can start forming their practice squads. For the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, they were not awarded any players off waivers, but they did end up losing one player they might have been hoping to sneak through.
Defensive lineman Jared Ivey, who stayed on Seattle's active roster as an undrafted rookie throughout last year, was claimed by the Atlanta Falcons. Ivey started out as a big edge rusher, but spent a good chunk of training camp and preseason getting work as a more traditional interior defensive lineman.
It's worth noting that the Seahawks were last in the waiver wire order, so if they had interest in any of the 28 non-Seahawks players claimed, they might have been out of luck just by being at the back of the line.
The good news for Seattle is that Michael Dansby, Andre Fuller, Deven Eastern, and Emmanuel Henderson Jr, all players whom they drafted this year but ultimately waived during roster cuts, cleared waivers and are now eligible to sign with the practice squad right this minute.
#Seattle #ivey
Defensive lineman Jared Ivey, who stayed on Seattle's active roster as an undrafted rookie throughout last year, was claimed by the Atlanta Falcons. Ivey started out as a big edge rusher, but spent a good chunk of training camp and preseason getting work as a more traditional interior defensive lineman.
It's worth noting that the Seahawks were last in the waiver wire order, so if they had interest in any of the 28 non-Seahawks players claimed, they might have been out of luck just by being at the back of the line.
The good news for Seattle is that Michael Dansby, Andre Fuller, Deven Eastern, and Emmanuel Henderson Jr, all players whom they drafted this year but ultimately waived during roster cuts, cleared waivers and are now eligible to sign with the practice squad right this minute.
#Seattle #ivey
2 months ago
BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing recently finalized its Aug. 29 fight card for the BKB 58 event on Sat. night (Aug. 29, 2026) at James L. Knight Center in Miami, Florida. Topping the promotion's return to "The Sunshine State" is BKB Heavyweight Champion Gustavo Trujillo, who collides with former BKB and BKFC heavyweight ****** leholder Mick Terrill on super short notice.
Elsewhere on the card, Olympic gold medalist Yuriorkis Gamboa makes his bare knuckle debut opposite well-traveled boxing veteran Yesner Talavera at Super Lightweight, not long after Alberto Blas defends his Super Featherweight strap against Brandon Birr. In addition, Cuban boxing sensation Yunieski Gonzalez collides with Welsh warrior Ethan George for the vacant BKB Cruiserweight crown.
Former UFC ****** le contender Aspen Ladd makes her Trigon debut against Brazilian bruiser Bianca Daimoni on the BKB 58 main card, which airs live at 8 p.m. ET on VICE TV. BKB 58's four-fight preliminary card featuring Rudy Mora, Taylor Bull, Darrian Leu-Pierre and more, will stream live and free on the promotion's TikTok channel.
Here's the finalized BKB 58 fight card and streaming lineup:
Heavyweight: Gustavo Trujillo (c) vs. Mick Terrill
Super Lightweight: Yuriorkis Gamboa vs. Yesner Talavera
Super Featherweight: Alberto Blas (c) vs. Brandon Birr
Cruiserweight: Yunieski Gonzalez vs. Ethan George for vacant Cruiserweight ****** le
Cruiserweight: Uly Diaz vs. Gilberto Fuentes
Super Featherweight: Yampier Ramirez vs. Triston Harrison
Super Lightweight: Aspen Ladd vs. Bianca Daimoni
Super Welterweight: Roberto Duran Jr. vs. Ryan Spivey
#featherweight #boxing
Elsewhere on the card, Olympic gold medalist Yuriorkis Gamboa makes his bare knuckle debut opposite well-traveled boxing veteran Yesner Talavera at Super Lightweight, not long after Alberto Blas defends his Super Featherweight strap against Brandon Birr. In addition, Cuban boxing sensation Yunieski Gonzalez collides with Welsh warrior Ethan George for the vacant BKB Cruiserweight crown.
Former UFC ****** le contender Aspen Ladd makes her Trigon debut against Brazilian bruiser Bianca Daimoni on the BKB 58 main card, which airs live at 8 p.m. ET on VICE TV. BKB 58's four-fight preliminary card featuring Rudy Mora, Taylor Bull, Darrian Leu-Pierre and more, will stream live and free on the promotion's TikTok channel.
Here's the finalized BKB 58 fight card and streaming lineup:
Heavyweight: Gustavo Trujillo (c) vs. Mick Terrill
Super Lightweight: Yuriorkis Gamboa vs. Yesner Talavera
Super Featherweight: Alberto Blas (c) vs. Brandon Birr
Cruiserweight: Yunieski Gonzalez vs. Ethan George for vacant Cruiserweight ****** le
Cruiserweight: Uly Diaz vs. Gilberto Fuentes
Super Featherweight: Yampier Ramirez vs. Triston Harrison
Super Lightweight: Aspen Ladd vs. Bianca Daimoni
Super Welterweight: Roberto Duran Jr. vs. Ryan Spivey
#featherweight #boxing
2 months ago
The Cincinnati Bengals don't typically do much wheeling and dealing, but we have seen them be a bit more aggressive in that regard in the Zac Taylor era.
We could see them pull something similar off as they reportedly have asked about Green Bay Packers corner Carrington Valentine, according to Easton Butler.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins have also reportedly called about Valentine's availability.
The 6-foot, 189-pound Valentine would instantly improve the depth at the boundary corner position. DJ Turner and Dax Hill are locked in as starters, but Hill himself is already dealing with a hamstring issue. The only names behind them are DJ Ivey and rookie Tacario Davis, neither of whom is very experienced in getting NFL snaps on defense.
As for what the Bengals could offer, it could simply resemble a trade that helped fuel their last Super Bowl run. They traded center Billy Price for the New York Giants defensive tackle B.J. Hill. You simply need to look where the Bengals are deepest, and it is wide receiver and defensive tackle.
#hill #defensive
We could see them pull something similar off as they reportedly have asked about Green Bay Packers corner Carrington Valentine, according to Easton Butler.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins have also reportedly called about Valentine's availability.
The 6-foot, 189-pound Valentine would instantly improve the depth at the boundary corner position. DJ Turner and Dax Hill are locked in as starters, but Hill himself is already dealing with a hamstring issue. The only names behind them are DJ Ivey and rookie Tacario Davis, neither of whom is very experienced in getting NFL snaps on defense.
As for what the Bengals could offer, it could simply resemble a trade that helped fuel their last Super Bowl run. They traded center Billy Price for the New York Giants defensive tackle B.J. Hill. You simply need to look where the Bengals are deepest, and it is wide receiver and defensive tackle.
#hill #defensive
2 months ago
DJ Ivey has been one of the surprises of training camp so far for the Cincinnati Bengals, as he tries to carve out a bigger role in the secondary going into his fourth season.
The Bengals' 2023 seventh-round draft pick has been getting a lot of first-team reps while Dax Hill has been dealing with leg tightness, and even wide receiver Tee Higgins told reporters last week Ivey has been giving him good competition.
Ivey has broken up some high-point passes to Higgins, and even when he gives up the catch to his receiver, he's been making it a challenge. That's exactly what the Bengals need out of the depth pieces in the secondary, perhaps one of the biggest areas of concern coming into camp.
"It's been going good so far," Ivey said of his camp. "Just making the plays that come to me, and just doing my best at that."
Ivey has mainly been a special teams contributor his first three seasons, but the departures of Cam Taylor-Britt and Marco Wilson in free agency this offseason mean the potential for more snaps on defense.
#even
The Bengals' 2023 seventh-round draft pick has been getting a lot of first-team reps while Dax Hill has been dealing with leg tightness, and even wide receiver Tee Higgins told reporters last week Ivey has been giving him good competition.
Ivey has broken up some high-point passes to Higgins, and even when he gives up the catch to his receiver, he's been making it a challenge. That's exactly what the Bengals need out of the depth pieces in the secondary, perhaps one of the biggest areas of concern coming into camp.
"It's been going good so far," Ivey said of his camp. "Just making the plays that come to me, and just doing my best at that."
Ivey has mainly been a special teams contributor his first three seasons, but the departures of Cam Taylor-Britt and Marco Wilson in free agency this offseason mean the potential for more snaps on defense.
#even
2 months ago
DJ Ivey has been one of the surprises of training camp so far for the Cincinnati Bengals, as he tries to carve out a bigger role in the secondary going into his fourth season.
The Bengals' 2023 seventh-round draft pick has been getting a lot of first-team reps while Dax Hill has been dealing with leg tightness, and even wide receiver Tee Higgins told reporters last week Ivey has been giving him good competition.
Ivey has broken up some high-point passes to Higgins, and even when he gives up the catch to his receiver, he's been making it a challenge. That's exactly what the Bengals need out of the depth pieces in the secondary, perhaps one of the biggest areas of concern coming into camp.
"It's been going good so far," Ivey said of his camp. "Just making the plays that come to me, and just doing my best at that."
Ivey has mainly been a special teams contributor his first three seasons, but the departures of Cam Taylor-Britt and Marco Wilson in free agency this offseason mean the potential for more snaps on defense.
#secondary
The Bengals' 2023 seventh-round draft pick has been getting a lot of first-team reps while Dax Hill has been dealing with leg tightness, and even wide receiver Tee Higgins told reporters last week Ivey has been giving him good competition.
Ivey has broken up some high-point passes to Higgins, and even when he gives up the catch to his receiver, he's been making it a challenge. That's exactly what the Bengals need out of the depth pieces in the secondary, perhaps one of the biggest areas of concern coming into camp.
"It's been going good so far," Ivey said of his camp. "Just making the plays that come to me, and just doing my best at that."
Ivey has mainly been a special teams contributor his first three seasons, but the departures of Cam Taylor-Britt and Marco Wilson in free agency this offseason mean the potential for more snaps on defense.
#secondary
2 months ago
Lynne Spears is one proud grandma.
Britney Spears' mother shared some sweet snaps from her summer with her multiple grandchildren, including the pop icon's two sons – Sean Preston and Jayden James — on Instagram on Monday, August 17. One of the photos she posted to Instagram featured the two young men walking the runway at Paris Fashion Week.
"So proud of JJ and Preston walking in Paris Fashion Week," Lynne, 71, wrote across the picture.
Another image showed Jayden, 19, posing with a girl in front of the Eiffel Tower, which Lynne ***** led, "JJ and his beautiful girlfriend in Paris!"
She also included several photos of her daughter Jamie Lynn Spears' children — Maddie, 18, and Ivey, 8 — as well as her son Bryan Spears' daughter, Lexie, 15.
#lynne #jayden #Instagram #fashion
Britney Spears' mother shared some sweet snaps from her summer with her multiple grandchildren, including the pop icon's two sons – Sean Preston and Jayden James — on Instagram on Monday, August 17. One of the photos she posted to Instagram featured the two young men walking the runway at Paris Fashion Week.
"So proud of JJ and Preston walking in Paris Fashion Week," Lynne, 71, wrote across the picture.
Another image showed Jayden, 19, posing with a girl in front of the Eiffel Tower, which Lynne ***** led, "JJ and his beautiful girlfriend in Paris!"
She also included several photos of her daughter Jamie Lynn Spears' children — Maddie, 18, and Ivey, 8 — as well as her son Bryan Spears' daughter, Lexie, 15.
#lynne #jayden #Instagram #fashion
2 months ago
Louisville finished last season with a top-20 defense when it comes to yards per game and yards per play. Then they shuffled the defensive staff, with Mark Ivey and Steve Ellis taking over as coordinators. While injuries were a major problem for the Cards last season, I think it would be tough to find someone who would place the blame on the defense over the offense for the issues last year. This group was responsible for a handful of the wins last year, and they returned a key group of players at linebacker to help repeat that success.
Stanquan Clark returns to lead the group after an injury limited him to just five games across the season. Clark was due for a big year after finishing 2024 with 7.5 tackles for loss. That big year will have to come this season as he becomes the veteran of the group with TJ Quinn graduating.
Louisville will need Clark to be the complete player that he showed the ability to be two years ago. The staff beefed up the pass rush, so Clark might not be blitzing all too often, but he will continue to be a downhill force against the run. He has shown a great ability to shoot gaps and blow up blocking schemes. He will have to continue to do so while also being a reliable player in coverage.
The interception against Miami gets the focus, but TJ Capers had a solid season for a guy who was a part-time starter. Capers finished the SMU game with 8 tackles and put up 3 tackles for loss on the year. The skills were evident, and as the season progressed, he was able to show that the experience he was gaining was paying off with his play. The Cards will need Capers to take the leap to match his five-star recruit status this season so that he can help replace the loss of TJ Quinn.
The true potential star of the defense is Antonio Watts, and I personally think he could be a full step ahead of anyone else on the team. Watts is a freakish athlete with great size and a motor that doesn't stop. He has shown that he can blitz off the edge, set the edge as a run defender, and play deep safety and make plays on the ball down the field. The only question left to be answered is if Watts can be the face of this defense and be a truly consistent playmaker. This isn't a knock on his performance, but the Cards need a superstar, and he can be that for this defense.
#season #last #cards #watts
Stanquan Clark returns to lead the group after an injury limited him to just five games across the season. Clark was due for a big year after finishing 2024 with 7.5 tackles for loss. That big year will have to come this season as he becomes the veteran of the group with TJ Quinn graduating.
Louisville will need Clark to be the complete player that he showed the ability to be two years ago. The staff beefed up the pass rush, so Clark might not be blitzing all too often, but he will continue to be a downhill force against the run. He has shown a great ability to shoot gaps and blow up blocking schemes. He will have to continue to do so while also being a reliable player in coverage.
The interception against Miami gets the focus, but TJ Capers had a solid season for a guy who was a part-time starter. Capers finished the SMU game with 8 tackles and put up 3 tackles for loss on the year. The skills were evident, and as the season progressed, he was able to show that the experience he was gaining was paying off with his play. The Cards will need Capers to take the leap to match his five-star recruit status this season so that he can help replace the loss of TJ Quinn.
The true potential star of the defense is Antonio Watts, and I personally think he could be a full step ahead of anyone else on the team. Watts is a freakish athlete with great size and a motor that doesn't stop. He has shown that he can blitz off the edge, set the edge as a run defender, and play deep safety and make plays on the ball down the field. The only question left to be answered is if Watts can be the face of this defense and be a truly consistent playmaker. This isn't a knock on his performance, but the Cards need a superstar, and he can be that for this defense.
#season #last #cards #watts
3 months ago
Mark Ivey never set out to be Louisville's defensive play-caller.
Actually, he never set out to be a defensive coach at all. Former Appalachian State coach Jerry Moore told him he would be one. Moore was going to hire Ivey, then a high school football coach, as either the offensive line coach or defensive ******* istant. Although Ivey requested to coach the O-line, Moore told him he would join the defense.
"I'm like, OK, that sounds good," Ivey recalled.
Fast-forward to 2022, when Ivey opted to stay at Louisville and accepted Jeff Brohm's offer to coach linebackers, despite having the most experience as a defensive line coach. Four years later, Ivey's journey brought him back to coaching the defensive line at Louisville with an added responsibility of play-calling.
Ivey has always been aggressive in his approach to football and demanded the same from his position group. But coaching linebackers for the past three seasons broadened his perspective, which he needed to take on the expanded role.
#told #Football
Actually, he never set out to be a defensive coach at all. Former Appalachian State coach Jerry Moore told him he would be one. Moore was going to hire Ivey, then a high school football coach, as either the offensive line coach or defensive ******* istant. Although Ivey requested to coach the O-line, Moore told him he would join the defense.
"I'm like, OK, that sounds good," Ivey recalled.
Fast-forward to 2022, when Ivey opted to stay at Louisville and accepted Jeff Brohm's offer to coach linebackers, despite having the most experience as a defensive line coach. Four years later, Ivey's journey brought him back to coaching the defensive line at Louisville with an added responsibility of play-calling.
Ivey has always been aggressive in his approach to football and demanded the same from his position group. But coaching linebackers for the past three seasons broadened his perspective, which he needed to take on the expanded role.
#told #Football
3 months ago
Under former head coach Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M's wide receiver rotations struggled to find any consistency, no matter who was throwing the ball, and even after landing five-star Evan Stewart and four-star Noah Thomas in the historic 2022 recruiting class, injuries, a lack of development, and poor usage derailed both players' careers in College Station.
Stewart, who transferred to Oregon after the 2023 season, is currently a redshirt senior with the Ducks, while Noah Thomas transferred to Georgia after three seasons with the Aggies, appearing in 35 games and recording 73 receptions for 934 yards and 15 touchdowns, serving as A&M's starting X receiver during his final season, which was by far his most productive.
Why Thomas decided to transfer to Georgia is still surprising to this day, appearing in 10 games with the Bulldogs and recorded just 16 receptions for 264 yards and four touchdowns. Even after landing transfer wide receivers Mario Craver and KC Concepcion, Thomas would have still seen extensive playing time as the X receiver, especially after Jerome Myles' injury before the 2025 season.
The Aggies lacked size, which became an issue late in the year after starting 11-0, but after adding Alabama transfer WR Isaiah Horton this offseason, who is 6'4" and 215 pounds, A&M has likely solved its size issue, while Noah Thomas, who went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, is looking to stand out with the Cincinnati Bengals during NFL Training Camp.
On Thursday, Thomas made the "catch of the day," which was captured by local Bengals media, as the rookie's physicality and concentration were on full display, pulling down the catch against veteran cornerback D.J Ivey. Thomas certainly possesses the traits to make an NFL roster.
#receiver #aggies #bengals
Stewart, who transferred to Oregon after the 2023 season, is currently a redshirt senior with the Ducks, while Noah Thomas transferred to Georgia after three seasons with the Aggies, appearing in 35 games and recording 73 receptions for 934 yards and 15 touchdowns, serving as A&M's starting X receiver during his final season, which was by far his most productive.
Why Thomas decided to transfer to Georgia is still surprising to this day, appearing in 10 games with the Bulldogs and recorded just 16 receptions for 264 yards and four touchdowns. Even after landing transfer wide receivers Mario Craver and KC Concepcion, Thomas would have still seen extensive playing time as the X receiver, especially after Jerome Myles' injury before the 2025 season.
The Aggies lacked size, which became an issue late in the year after starting 11-0, but after adding Alabama transfer WR Isaiah Horton this offseason, who is 6'4" and 215 pounds, A&M has likely solved its size issue, while Noah Thomas, who went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, is looking to stand out with the Cincinnati Bengals during NFL Training Camp.
On Thursday, Thomas made the "catch of the day," which was captured by local Bengals media, as the rookie's physicality and concentration were on full display, pulling down the catch against veteran cornerback D.J Ivey. Thomas certainly possesses the traits to make an NFL roster.
#receiver #aggies #bengals
3 months ago
This episode of The C.L. Brown Show features Alexis Cubit, The Courier Journal's Louisville football beat writer, discussing ACC football as the league begins its annual Kickoff event on Wednesday.
If the adage "defense wins championships" still applies in this day and age in football, then Cubit believes the Cardinals are in a good spot to contend with Miami for the ACC crown. She points to head coach Jeff Brohm promoting linebackers coach Mark Ivey to co-defensive coordinator as a major reason why that unit should stand out.
Cubit also explains why Lincoln Kienholz may have more competition at quarterback than the other transfers Brohm brought in over his past three seasons.
Hear about that and more on this week's episode of The C.L. Brown Show.
A new episode of this podcast, hosted by Courier Journal sports columnist C.L. Brown, posts each Wednesday. You can listen to The C.L. Brown Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Audible, CastBox and iHeartRadio, among others.
If the adage "defense wins championships" still applies in this day and age in football, then Cubit believes the Cardinals are in a good spot to contend with Miami for the ACC crown. She points to head coach Jeff Brohm promoting linebackers coach Mark Ivey to co-defensive coordinator as a major reason why that unit should stand out.
Cubit also explains why Lincoln Kienholz may have more competition at quarterback than the other transfers Brohm brought in over his past three seasons.
Hear about that and more on this week's episode of The C.L. Brown Show.
A new episode of this podcast, hosted by Courier Journal sports columnist C.L. Brown, posts each Wednesday. You can listen to The C.L. Brown Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Audible, CastBox and iHeartRadio, among others.
4 months ago
Braden Smith spent four seasons with Purdue basketball proving all the power conference programs who overlooked him missed out.
Now the former Boilermaker point guard has a chance to do the same in the NBA.
Smith, a Westfield native, is headed to the Pacers after Indiana traded for him when the Chicago Bulls selected him with the 38th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, a source confirmed to IndyStar.
Smith is Purdue's third draft pick in five years, joining lottery picks Jaden Ivey and Zach Edey among a group of now 11 NBA draft selections to play at Purdue under Matt Painter.
Here's a look at Smith's Purdue career and what he brings to the Pacers.
Now the former Boilermaker point guard has a chance to do the same in the NBA.
Smith, a Westfield native, is headed to the Pacers after Indiana traded for him when the Chicago Bulls selected him with the 38th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, a source confirmed to IndyStar.
Smith is Purdue's third draft pick in five years, joining lottery picks Jaden Ivey and Zach Edey among a group of now 11 NBA draft selections to play at Purdue under Matt Painter.
Here's a look at Smith's Purdue career and what he brings to the Pacers.
4 months ago
Braden Smith spent four seasons with Purdue basketball proving all the power conference programs who overlooked him missed out.
Now the former Boilermaker point guard has a chance to do the same in the NBA.
Smith, a Westfield native, is headed to the Pacers after Indiana traded for him when the Chicago Bulls selected him with the 38th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, a source confirmed to IndyStar.
Smith is Purdue's third draft pick in five years, joining lottery picks Jaden Ivey and Zach Edey among a group of now 11 NBA draft selections to play at Purdue under Matt Painter.
Here's a look at Smith's Purdue career and what he brings to the Pacers.
Now the former Boilermaker point guard has a chance to do the same in the NBA.
Smith, a Westfield native, is headed to the Pacers after Indiana traded for him when the Chicago Bulls selected him with the 38th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, a source confirmed to IndyStar.
Smith is Purdue's third draft pick in five years, joining lottery picks Jaden Ivey and Zach Edey among a group of now 11 NBA draft selections to play at Purdue under Matt Painter.
Here's a look at Smith's Purdue career and what he brings to the Pacers.
4 months ago
Braden Smith spent four seasons with Purdue basketball proving all the power conference programs who overlooked him missed out.
Now the former Boilermaker point guard has a chance to do the same in the NBA in his home state.
Smith is headed to the Pacers after the Chicago Bulls selected him with the 38th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and traded Smith's draft rights to Indiana.
Smith is Purdue's third draft pick in five years, joining lottery picks Jaden Ivey and Zach Edey among a group of now 11 NBA draft selections to play at Purdue under Matt Painter.
Here's a look at Smith's Purdue career and what he brings to the Pacers.
Now the former Boilermaker point guard has a chance to do the same in the NBA in his home state.
Smith is headed to the Pacers after the Chicago Bulls selected him with the 38th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and traded Smith's draft rights to Indiana.
Smith is Purdue's third draft pick in five years, joining lottery picks Jaden Ivey and Zach Edey among a group of now 11 NBA draft selections to play at Purdue under Matt Painter.
Here's a look at Smith's Purdue career and what he brings to the Pacers.
