Latest news with #SpringShowcase
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Virginia offensive lineman Maddox Cochrane commits to Wisconsin football, Luke Fickell
MADISON – The Wisconsin Badgers' 2026 class of offensive linemen is taking shape. Maddox Cochrane, a 6-foot-7, 285-pound tackle from Richmond, Virginia, announced his commitment to the Badgers Sunday evening. He is the second offensive lineman in the Badgers' class and the sixth known recruit overall. Advertisement Cochrane, who attends Benedictine College Prep, announced the news on X and Instagram with the caption 100% committed. #GoBadgers #OnWisconsin. Cochrane is considered a three-star prospect by Rivals, 247sports and On3. His offer from Wisconsin came in March of last year. Cochrane announced his choice after announcing 15 FBS Division I offers on X. The list included Virginia and Virginia Tech as well as Maryland and Rutgers. From those offers he announced official visits to Duke, Virginia Tech, Virginia and Rutgers. His official visit to Wisconsin is scheduled for May 29-June 1. Cochrane was a first-team all-state selection this past season who helped Benedictine win its second straight state championship. Advertisement The Badgers' 2026 class now includes four offensive players: Cochrane, quarterback Ryan Hopkins, receiver Tayshon Bardo and offensive lineman Benjamin Novak. The class also includes Carsen Eloms, a cornerback from Indiana, and Carmelow Reed, an edge rusher from the Chicago area. More: How Wisconsin quarterbacks Billy Edwards, Danny O'Neil fared, plus 4 other observations from Spring Showcase This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Virginia tackle Maddox Cochrane commits to Wisconsin, Luke Fickell
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
LA Tech holds spring practice in Bossier
BOSSIER, LA (KTAL/KMSS) – On Tuesday, Louisiana Tech had its second to last spring practice in Bossier at Freedom Field, with an open invite to the community hoping to gain some support from LA Tech fans and alumni in the Shreveport area. 'I thought it was really cool just that you know Coach Cumbie and the community of Freedom Fields is wanting to do this,' Northwood alum Mason Welch and LA Tech QB. ' It was really cool just to get back, a lot of us are from this Shreveport. So it just means a lot to us and I know it means a lot to the community around here.' With practices not typically open to friends and family it gives families an opportunity to see into the life of their favorite player. 'We had a good practice today. It's always good to be back in front of the family and let them see a side of my life they don't normally get to see,' long snapper and Loyola Alum Ean Burch said. On Tuesday night, those Shreveport locals stood out. 'Jay Simon made some big plays from Calvary Baptists, we've signed Kolby Thomas from Calvary Baptists,' head coach Sonny Cumbie said. 'We've got Kendrick Rucker from Huntington on our football team. We've got several guys from this area. I think for to have those guys to come back home, there's obviously a little bit more bounce in their step too to be able to play in front of their friends and family and practice anyways in front of all the people that know them.' After a disappointing outing last time the Bulldogs were in Shreveport for the Independence Bowl against Army, LA Tech was excited to showcase what's to come this season. The Bulldogs also feel like the momentum from the post season play is carrying over into this spring. 'I feel like it allowed us as a team to take a step forward towards this year,' Welch said. 'It changes a lot of guys' minds about what we can be and what we've been,' Burch said. 'It shows people that we have, we have a foot to stand on now.' The Bulldogs have been making an effort to prioritize Shreveport because of its close proximity to Ruston. Doing so by inviting the community to be up close and personal with the team, as close as standing on the sidelines for practice and the Spring Showcase on Saturday, May 26. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Three takeaways from Wisconsin football's Spring Showcase
The Wisconsin Badgers hosted their 2025 Spring Showcase this past Saturday, giving fans a first glimpse at the 2025 team and how offseason transfer additions will fit into new offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes' scheme. The event also provided head coach Luke Fickell an opportunity to showcase what he's been working on this offseason after an underwhelming 5-7 2024 campaign. Wisconsin added key transfers at many positions of need, including at quarterback and along the defensive line. Those positions were under the spotlight on Saturday as the two spots that the Badgers needed to improve the most. At first glance, it seems as if the coaching staff landed some significant difference-makers in both groups. Advertisement In addition to those who transferred in, the Spring Showcase was also a first glimpse at some of the program's young talent, including class of 2025 early enrollees. Several such players, both on offense and defense, have a chance to make an impact from day one. For more, here are three primary takeaways from Wisconsin's Spring Showcase, plus what each means for the 2025 season: 1. More dynamic offensive play-calling from new OC Jeff Grimes Offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes joined the Badgers this offseason, looking to help the program improve from one of its worst seasons offensively (and overall) in program history. His dynamic, more traditional Wisconsin-style offense was on display during Saturday's showcase with many creative play calls, including end-arounds, screen passes, and fullback dives. Advertisement It's also clear that Jeff Grimes is a lot more comfortable calling plays with his offense under center, which was one of the biggest criticisms of former offensive coordinator Phil Longo and his air-raid offense. Grimes' play-calls also reminded many of the dynamic and unique plays that Paul Chryst employed during his time as Wisconsin offensive coordinator and head coach. However, Grimes' offense fits the modern Big Ten better than Chryst's did with more of an emphasis on passing and quarterback play. 2. Defense has made necessary improvements Wisconsin struggled defensively last season. The unit's output had many fans frustrated, considering the program's reputation for holding their opponents to low-scoring outputs. Defensive coordinator Mike Tressel and head coach Luke Fickell mentioned throughout the offseason that they wanted to add size and depth along the defensive line, a position that in 2024 ranked 121st out of 134 FBS teams in run defense per Pro Football Focus. Improving that status was a key focus of the offseason. On Saturday, it was clear that the coaching staff's hard work has paid off so far. The new and improved Badgers defensive line looks a lot bigger, stronger, and agile than it did last season. Transfers Charles Perkins, Jay'viar Suggs, and Tyreese Fearbry have all impressed early on, while early enrollee Nick Clayton has already made a name for himself early during his short time in Madison. As for the secondary, there were many concerns coming into the spring session that losing key pieces including Hunter Wohler and Xavier Lucas would hurt the defense significantly. So far, the defensive back room has slowly but surely improved, with players including Preston Zachman and Matt Jung making headlines during spring practices. During the spring showcase, both cornerbacks Jaimier Scott and Geimere Latimer put on a show with some nice broken-up and contested passes. The defensive line was clearly the bigger area of concern during the winter for the Wisconsin coaching staff, but seeing progress in the secondary is just as important. 3. Young players are coming into their own Luke Fickell's best skill as a coach is his recruiting. That ability was one of the primary reasons for his success at Cincinnati and why he was Chris McIntosh's choice to succeed Paul Chryst. In his first two full recruiting cycles, Fickell and his staff landed back to back top 25 classes. Those young stars are finally seeing the field, emergences that have been exciting to watch. Advertisement Wide receiver Eugene Hilton has made headlines as one of the most talented receivers on the team, while young defenders, including Clayton and Scott, have excelled during their time in spring practices. Plus, both linebacker Mason Posa and Jaylen Williams weren't able to enroll early like many of the players in the class. The fact that the young guns have played well with neither Posa nor Williams on campus bodes well for the program's future. Overall, there is obviously still work to be done. The offense was shaky during a couple of drives on Saturday, plus there are several injuries at offensive line and receiver that the team needs to overcome. There is still a lot to be excited about with the 2025 team. The new scheme from Jeff Grimes, mixed with some improvements defensively, gives the Badgers a chance to have a better season than last year. Wisconsin's schedule is extremely difficult, but you never know what can happen in college football. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin football Spring Showcase takeaways
USA Today
21-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Three takeaways from Wisconsin football's Spring Showcase
Three takeaways from Wisconsin football's Spring Showcase The Wisconsin Badgers hosted their 2025 Spring Showcase this past Saturday, giving fans a first glimpse at the 2025 team and how offseason transfer additions will fit into new offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes' scheme. The event also provided head coach Luke Fickell an opportunity to showcase what he's been working on this offseason after an underwhelming 5-7 2024 campaign. Wisconsin added key transfers at many positions of need, including at quarterback and along the defensive line. Those positions were under the spotlight on Saturday as the two spots that the Badgers needed to improve the most. At first glance, it seems as if the coaching staff landed some significant difference-makers in both groups. In addition to those who transferred in, the Spring Showcase was also a first glimpse at some of the program's young talent, including class of 2025 early enrollees. Several such players, both on offense and defense, have a chance to make an impact from day one. For more, here are three primary takeaways from Wisconsin's Spring Showcase, plus what each means for the 2025 season: 1. More dynamic offensive play-calling from new OC Jeff Grimes Offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes joined the Badgers this offseason, looking to help the program improve from one of its worst seasons offensively (and overall) in program history. His dynamic, more traditional Wisconsin-style offense was on display during Saturday's showcase with many creative play calls, including end-arounds, screen passes, and fullback dives. It's also clear that Jeff Grimes is a lot more comfortable calling plays with his offense under center, which was one of the biggest criticisms of former offensive coordinator Phil Longo and his air-raid offense. Grimes' play-calls also reminded many of the dynamic and unique plays that Paul Chryst employed during his time as Wisconsin offensive coordinator and head coach. However, Grimes' offense fits the modern Big Ten better than Chryst's did with more of an emphasis on passing and quarterback play. 2. Defense has made necessary improvements Wisconsin struggled defensively last season. The unit's output had many fans frustrated, considering the program's reputation for holding their opponents to low-scoring outputs. Defensive coordinator Mike Tressel and head coach Luke Fickell mentioned throughout the offseason that they wanted to add size and depth along the defensive line, a position that in 2024 ranked 121st out of 134 FBS teams in run defense per Pro Football Focus. Improving that status was a key focus of the offseason. On Saturday, it was clear that the coaching staff's hard work has paid off so far. The new and improved Badgers defensive line looks a lot bigger, stronger, and agile than it did last season. Transfers Charles Perkins, Jay'viar Suggs, and Tyreese Fearbry have all impressed early on, while early enrollee Nick Clayton has already made a name for himself early during his short time in Madison. As for the secondary, there were many concerns coming into the spring session that losing key pieces including Hunter Wohler and Xavier Lucas would hurt the defense significantly. So far, the defensive back room has slowly but surely improved, with players including Preston Zachman and Matt Jung making headlines during spring practices. During the spring showcase, both cornerbacks Jaimier Scott and Geimere Latimer put on a show with some nice broken-up and contested passes. The defensive line was clearly the bigger area of concern during the winter for the Wisconsin coaching staff, but seeing progress in the secondary is just as important. 3. Young players are coming into their own Luke Fickell's best skill as a coach is his recruiting. That ability was one of the primary reasons for his success at Cincinnati and why he was Chris McIntosh's choice to succeed Paul Chryst. In his first two full recruiting cycles, Fickell and his staff landed back to back top 25 classes. Those young stars are finally seeing the field, emergences that have been exciting to watch. Wide receiver Eugene Hilton has made headlines as one of the most talented receivers on the team, while young defenders, including Clayton and Scott, have excelled during their time in spring practices. Plus, both linebacker Mason Posa and Jaylen Williams weren't able to enroll early like many of the players in the class. The fact that the young guns have played well with neither Posa nor Williams on campus bodes well for the program's future. Overall, there is obviously still work to be done. The offense was shaky during a couple of drives on Saturday, plus there are several injuries at offensive line and receiver that the team needs to overcome. There is still a lot to be excited about with the 2025 team. The new scheme from Jeff Grimes, mixed with some improvements defensively, gives the Badgers a chance to have a better season than last year. Wisconsin's schedule is extremely difficult, but you never know what can happen in college football. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jalen Celestine comes to Cincinnati Bearcats basketball from Baylor
After a visit that began Saturday, April 12 during the University of Cincinnati Spring Showcase football scrimmage and Big 12 baseball game, the UC Bearcats basketball team has added another player from the transfer portal. Jalen Celestine, a 6-foot-7, 215-pound guard from Baylor has joined the 2025-26 Wes Miller Bearcats after briefly taking a visit to Santa Clara. Celestine madeit official April 21 on social media. In essence, the Bearcats swapped wings with Baylor as Dan Skillings Jr. signed with Scott Drew's Bears after committing April 15. Baylor's entire 2024-25 roster either left for the NBA draft, eligibility reasons or the transfer portal. Baylor Bears guard Jalen Celestine (32) attempts a three-point shot against Cincinnati Bearcats forward Dillon Mitchell (23) in the first half at Fifth Third Arena Feb. 25. Celestine played in 31 games for Baylor last season and started 11, averaging 7.1 points and 3.5 rebounds. He shot 38% from the floor and 35% from the perimeter. In his one game against UC Feb. 25, he had eight points and seven rebounds, while making 2-of-4 treys. His high game of the season was early in the year when he had 20 points against Tarleton State. He had six points and eight boards in Baylor's NCAA tournament win over Mississippi State. Advertisement Celestine played for the California Golden Bears before Baylor averaging 8.7 points and 3.2 rebounds with 23 starts in 27 games in 2023-24. He shot 45% from the field there and 44% from deep. March 21: Baylor guard Jalen Celestine goes up for a shot against Mississippi State guard Riley Kugel (2) and forward RJ Melendez (22) during the first half of the first round of the men's NCAA Tournament at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. He missed 2022-23 with a knee injury, but averaged 7.5 points and 3.1 rebounds his sophomore year at Cal with 16 starts in 31 games. In 22 games and five starts as a freshman, he averaged 2.8 points and 1.7 rebounds. Celestine is a career 38% shooter from the 3-point line. He is a native Canadian from Ajax, Ontario but played high school ball at Long Island Lutheran in New York. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Bearcats hoops adds Baylor wing Jalen Celestine in portal
