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American Press
04-08-2025
- Sport
- American Press
Old school attitude
It won't be the same-looking defense for the Cowboys. Gone is All-American linebacker Micah Davey, off to Texas-El Paso. Gone is All-Louisiana safety Boogsie Silvera, off to South Florida. Gone are some other key pieces that took big steps last season for McNeese State. But what was once old is new again for the Cowboys, who have brought back DWA (Defense With Attitude). Started over a decade ago by then-defensive coordinator Lance Guidry, the DWA is more than just three letters or a snappy catch phrase. It is a style of thinking and play that has been missing at McNeese for some time. Not only is the attitude back, but so are the shirts that read DWA on defensive players. 'I love it,' said defensive coordinator Tony Pecoraro. 'I wanted to bring it back the last couple of years. It is great to see. 'I have been all about the branding and the attitude. There is special pride that goes with it, and this group has embraced it.' The DWA rebranding has also been a big hit with the players, especially those who grew up around the program. Junior linebacker Peyton Lemaire is one of those defenders. He grew up in Sulphur and understands the history and meaning of DWA. 'I'm excited that we have that brand back,' said Lemaire, who played in 11 games last year, starting three. He finished with 29 tackles, a forced fumble, and a recovery. 'That's about playing for the guys who played before us here,' said Lamaire. 'They set the standard and we want to follow it.' Lemaire knows all about following those who set the standard. When Davey was injured last season, it was the 6-foot-3, 210-pounder who replaced him in the lineup. 'That helped me get the experience I needed,' said Lemaire. 'It gave me confidence that I would play at that level.' Lemaire believes this defense will be more about the group than just one or two guys. 'We have a lot of guys who can make plays,' Lemaire said. 'We are going to be more defense by committee, I think this year.' There are 19 newcomers expected to give the defense depth. One of those is South Alabama transfer Emauri Sibley The junior has made himself noticed early in camp. 'Sibley has shown us some real flashes,' Pecoraro said. 'I'm excited to watch what he brings with him. 'We lost Micah, we lost Boogsie, but we had guys come in who can play as well.' Despite not being previously familiar with the DWA thing, Sibley has bought fully into it. 'We came out with the DWA jerseys and want to live up to that tradition,' Sibley said. To him, playing defense is simple. 'See ball, hit ball,' Sibley said. That is perfect for DWA. One other linebacker, Landon Barrett, is ready to leave his mark after injuries limited him to just two games last year. 'It feels great to be out here now,' Barrett said. 'It was frustrating, but I think it helped me mentally.' Barrett also likes the vibe DWA brings. 'This is a very tight-knit group,' Barrett said. 'We hold each other accountable and learn from the older guys.' It is early, but the attitude adjustment runs deeper than just a slogan on a shirt. 'I'm excited about this group,' said Pecoraro. And the group seems excited to try to live up to the previous standard of McNeese football.
CBS News
09-03-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Vikings re-sign Aaron Jones to 2-year, $20M contract after solid debut with former rival
The Minnesota Vikings agreed to terms on a two-year, $20 million contract with running back Aaron Jones on Sunday that prevents the popular veteran from reaching free agency after a solid debut with his former rival. Jones will get $13 million guaranteed, his agent Drew Rosenhaus said. The 30-year-old, who played seven seasons with the Green Bay Packers after being drafted in the fifth round out of Texas-El Paso in 2017, set career highs with 255 rushing attempts and 1,138 rushing yards for the Vikings in 2024. Jones was the third rusher in franchise history to hit the 1,000-yard mark in his first year with Minnesota, following Adrian Peterson in 2007 and Chester Taylor in 2006. Jones also played in every game for just the second time in his career. He was also the team's Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award nominee and the team's Salute to Service Award winner.
