Author: admin

  • TMW: Milan turn to Verona star in right-back search – Inter and Forest also admirers

    TMW: Milan turn to Verona star in right-back search – Inter and Forest also admirers

    AC Milan could enter the race for Hellas Verona full-back Jackson Tchatchoua, but they face some competition it seems.

    The news broke late on Monday evening that Milan have wrapped up a deal worth €17m plus €2m in bonuses for Pervis Estupinan with Brighton. Therefore, the left-back position should be sorted once he lands, does his medical and signs.

    Tchatchoua for the right?

    Following interest from Inter, Napoli, and Nottingham Forest – who are ready to offer €12m, after previously offering €10m – TMW report that the Rossoneri are keen on signing Tchatchoua from Verona.

    Given their difficulties in finding a full-back for that side (interest in Marc Pubill has been cooled, Guela Doué is being held up by Chelsea), the directors could accelerate their pursuit in the coming hours.

    Jackson Tchatchoua alex jimenez

    So far, however, no acceptable offer has arrived on Verona’s desk. Inter are monitoring the situation, while Napoli are focused on Juanlu Sanchez who they could sign for around €15m plus bonuses.

    In the background, there is also interest from several clubs in the Belgian, such as Torino (where he would be reunited with coach Baroni) and Fiorentina, although the choice would be for a big club.

    Last season, Tchatchoua performed well, with 36 league appearances, two goals and three assists. Galatasaray and Olympique Marseille are in the picture too, the latter having already inquired during the January transfer window but not yet made any progress.

  • Austin Pope leaves Kentucky for NBA role with the Lakers

    Austin Pope leaves Kentucky for NBA role with the Lakers

     

    After one season as a graduate assistant under Mark Pope, Austin Pope joins the Lakers’ G League staff.

     

     

     

    chrisbeasmore A sports writer for A Sea of Blue. Beasmore helps to cover Kentucky football and basketball recruiting and the big games coming up for Kentucky sports.

    After just one season in Lexington, Austin Pope is heading to the NBA. The former Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball graduate assistant has accepted a role as the new Video Coordinator for the South Bay Lakers, the G League affiliate of the Los Angeles Lakers.

     

    Pope joined Mark Pope’s first staff at Kentucky this past spring, and even though his time with the Wildcats was short, Pope made a strong impression behind the scenes in the film room and during summer practices.

     

    Before stepping into coaching, Pope had a decorated playing career. He earned First-Team All-Pacific West honors in 2018 after averaging 14.8 points, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while posting an elite 2.7 assist-to-turnover ratio. He went on to play professionally in Europe and the NBA G League, gaining valuable experience that helped prepare him for his transition into coaching.

     

    In addition to his graduate assistant role at UK, Pope spent time coaching high school basketball at Viewpoint and Burroughs High Schools and worked on the grassroots circuit with BTI Hoops in California.

     

    Now, after one season with welcoming in the Mark Pope era at Kentucky, he’s taking his next step into professional basketball, and returning home to his native California.

     

    The move is another sign of how Kentucky’s coaching tree continues to grow, even in just a year under Mark Pope.

  • Day 2 camp observations: Hendon Hooker, Marcus Davenport make most of opportunity

    Day 2 camp observations: Hendon Hooker, Marcus Davenport make most of opportunity

     

    The Detroit Lions held their second practice of 2025 training camp, marking the start of Day 2 of the acclimation phase. An additional 15 minutes were added onto practice on Monday, but the team is very early in its exploration of what this roster has to offer.

     

    Participation Report

    Jeremy Reisman has already published a full participation report for Day 2 of training camp—including an update on Alex Anzalone’s hamstring injury—so I won’t waste time regurgitating the list. However, I would recommend checking out the piece because there are some encouraging signs that several players are on the road to recovery.

     

    Hendon Hooker takes advantage of QB2 opportunity

    During his Monday morning press conference, coach Dan Campbell noted that he’s made it clear to Hendon Hooker that the QB2 spot is an open competition and gave him a list of things to work on this offseason, including urgency and footwork.

     

    On Day 2 of camp, it was Hooker’s turn in the reserve QB rotation, and when he took the field in the QB2 role, there was improvement in his game. Throughout the day, Hooker’s footwork looked cleaner, his decisions were sped up (even improved from Sunday’s practice), and his accuracy was noticeably sharper. When he has time to set, the ball pops out of his hand, and on Monday, he was making throws even with a muddied pocket.

     

    “The differences that I made this offseason by playing fast and playing on time and (on) rhythm, it feels completely different from last year. And OTAs, as well,” Hooker told the media after practice.

     

    When asked to elaborate on the differences, Hooker explained that his processing has been a significant key to success.

     

    “I think that I’m processing it a lot more. I have a lot more confidence in the huddle,” Hooker continued. “My teammates can see it, as well, because they’re giving me good feedback when I go in the locker room. Encouraging them, they’re encouraging me. It’s great to feel back into the groove.”

     

    Hooker is translating that confidence into calmness on the field, and an extra effort to build chemistry with his pass catchers has helped elevate his game. This was one of, if not the best, training camp practice we’ve seen from Hooker, which is an encouraging sign for the next month of competition.

     

    Deep ball showing life

    While the Lions ran a lot of deep routes on Day 1 of training camp, they were unable to connect on any long shots. That changed on Monday, as Jared Goff connected with Jameson Williams (twice) and rookie Isaac TeSlaa down the field.

     

    The biggest play of the day came during 7-on-7s, when Goff baited the defensive back and uncorked a beautiful bomb to Williams 35 yards downfield. Williams ran a deep crosser, and with a little extra time in the pocket, Goff was able to wait until Williams cleared the safety before making the throw.

     

    Williams’ speed is a problem for defensive backs, but if they drop a safety in the middle of the field, they can cloud the secondary. However, if Goff has time, like he did on this play, it’s going to be hard for any corner to hang with Williams sprinting across the field.

     

    The connection with TeSlaa occurred during WR drills, but Goff basically threw it as far as he could, forcing the rookie to track it down. While there was no defender to contest the play, the speed, tracking, and catch were beautiful in concert.

     

    Miscellaneous notes on other WR/RBs:

     

    Running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and Sione Vaki split their time during individual drills, taking reps with the running backs and wide receivers. With the Lions acknowledging that they’re exploring more two-RB sets, we should expect to see more of this.

    Jameson Williams and Brian Branch are a fun matchup that typically results in some chatter after the play. Their dramatically different personalities make for some highly entertaining trash talk.

    Hooker appears to have made friends with the rookie wide receivers, as he found TeSlaa and Dominic Lovett on multiple occasions.

    Kyle Allen also found Lovett on shorter crossing and curl routes, and the rookie got several chances to show off his ability to gain yards after the catch (YAC).

    No changes on starting OL, reserves continue to cycle

    At his morning press conference, coach Dan Campbell noted that the Lions were going to use the next 10 or so days of practice—leading up to the Hall of Fame game—to assess their offensive line. He suggested that they hope to have a decision on center by that stage, even though the competition will continue throughout camp.

     

    That being said, the Lions rolled out the same starting offensive line for the second day in a row, and this appears to be the preferred group of five—save Decker in at left tackle— stacked in the order that they practiced:

     

    LT Dan Skipper

    LG Christian Mahogany

    C Tate Ratledge

    RG Graham Glasgow

    RT Penei Sewell

     

    As for the reserves, they’re rotating and cross-training heavily. Here’s a look at how they looked on Day 2 of camp, with the previous position in parentheses:

     

    LT Giovanni Manu (LT2/3)

    LG Netane Muti/Kingsley Eguakun (C2)

    C Michael Niese (C3)/Trystan Colon (LG3)

    RG Kayode Awosika/Colby Sorsdal (RT3)

    RT Jamarco Jones/Mason Miller (LT3/LG3)

     

    The most notable change was Niese stepping back into the second-team center role and Eguakun getting some looks at guard—a move to potentially test the second-year lineman’s range.

     

    “On Sunday, (I was) just watching him get better and better and better,” Campbell said of Eguakun. “The way he competes, man, he’s tough, he’s physical. He is smart, really good athlete, (and) he can move. And he knows this. So much about him is going to be the anchor. We put pads on, the size, and those things. Just being able to sit some guys down, anchor, things of that nature. I like Kingsley; he’s improved. He’s improved a lot.”

     

    Miscellaneous notes on OL:

     

    The trio of Eguakun, Niese, and Colon gives the Lions three players who can play center and guard, making them potentially versatile puzzle pieces.

    Speaking of being versatile, it appears the Lions are cross-training Sorsdal at tackle and guard, which should likely help his stock.

    Marcus Davenport flashes dominance

    One of the most common questions we have received this offseason is: Who is going to rush the passer opposite Aidan Hutchinson? The Lions have insisted that Marcus Davenport will be the starter, and on Monday, he demonstrated why the Lions made this decision.

     

    On Day 2 of camp, Davenport flashed his range in multiple facets of the game. In 11-on-11s, he crashed on run play on what would have been a tackle for loss and laid a monster punch on the ball that knocked the running back off his line. On the very next play, his pass rush collapsed the pocket and flushed the quarterback out the back side. Not long later, he beat his blocker and had a would-be “sack.”

     

    Like Hooker, this was arguably Davenport’s best training camp practice as a Lion and should leave fans encouraged about what could be.

     

    Miscellaneous notes on DL:

     

    Nate Lynn had a clean sack on Monday as he continues to rep behind Davenport.

    Isaac Ukwu and Ahmed Hassanein continue to rotate reps behind Hutchinson, as Josh Paschal and Al-Quadin Muhammad remain out.

    UDFA Keith Cooper found his way on the field on Monday, operating out of the 4i role behind Pat O’Connor. After not standing out on Day 1, it looks like he may have found a spot.

    Grant Stuard is unrelenting and tireless

    This offseason, Stuard was hailed as a terrific special teams player, and so far, he has not disappointed. He’s playing in multiple phases of special teams, winning as a blocker, winning as a pursuer, and winning as a … kick returner?

     

    Yes. You read that right, Stuard, a 6-foot, 230-pound linebacker, set up as a returner (on two separate occasions) and exploded down the field like a man possessed.

     

    “It’s something I did my sophomore year in college,” Stuard told Pride of Detroit after practice. “So, I’m just trying to get ready for any opportunity. I like running around—you know what I’m saying ?—and so coach (Dave Fipp) wanted me to get a couple of looks at it, so I wanted to show him what I could do.”

     

    What’s even more impressive is the fact that Stuard not only ran his return out to the 50-yard line, like most others do, but he kept his sprint all the way down the field, only slowing when he reached the end zone 100 yards away. Then, as he was jogging back to the group, the Lions called out for the last rep of the set, and asked for one more volunteer to run in pursuit… and you’ll never guess who sprinted to the line.

     

    After sprinting 100 yards down the field as a returner, Stuard jumped right back into the very next play, illustrating the kind of player he truly is.

     

    “Even if you feel ready and conditioned, it’s a decision, every second (you’re on the field),” Stuard continued. “On that jog back, there’s different things going on in your mind, but at the end of the day, the guys who I’ve been around, that are great players, they make that decision (to jump back in). I think that no matter how in-shape you are, when the monkey jumps on your back, you have to make that decision if you’re going to take him for a ride.”

     

    Miscellaneous notes on LB:

     

    Jack Campbell has been dominant at MIKE and on special teams through two days. His ability to slip blocks is significantly improved, and it shows up in both areas.

    Zach Cunningham continues to double-dip at WILL1 and MIKE2 with Anzalone out.

    DaRon Gilbert is indeed repping as MIKE3, showing flexibility to play more than just WILL. This will certainly improve his chances of making the roster in some way.

    Anthony Pittman returned to practice on Monday and is being worked back into multiple linebacker spots, including MIKE.

    DBs continue to make plays

    The Lions’ corners are a bit banged up right now, but they—along with the safeties—are not lacking in confidence. At the forefront of the outwardly expressed confidence is Terrion Arnold, who is not only making plays, but he’s celebrating them.

     

    On Monday, Arnold had a terrific play in man coverage, switching assignments and shifting to covering tight end Brock Wright. When Goff was forced to check the ball down to Wright, Arnold anticipated the ball and made a fearless diving punch out, breaking up the pass despite it being less than 5-10 yards away from the line of scrimmage. He popped up in celebration, and his defensive teammates let him know they were impressed.

     

    Arnold also had a big win on special teams, when he and Amik Robertson were tasked with beating their blocks and pursuing the returner. Robertson crashed the blockers, taking both away, while Arnold dipped under and up, finding an open path to the ball carrier, where he squared him up for the stop. This also drew a positive reaction from his fellow defenders.

     

    Miscellaneous notes on DBs:

     

    Robertson also secured a would-be tackle for loss, stepping into the escape window after Jack Campbell collapsed the pocket on a blitz.

    We also continue to see safeties making plays at or behind the line of scrimmage, as Branch, Morice Norris, and rookie Dan Jackson all had would-be sacks in this practice.

    Jackson, in 11-on-11s, also had David Montgomery in his sights, and after the running back made a spectacular catch, Jackson closed in a heartbeat. If they were in pads, it would have likely been a universally talked about hit.

    Lastly, with several corners unable to practice, safety Erick Hallett took reps at outside corner.

  • Earning his stripes’ – Gout defended after claim of him ducking Lyles

    Earning his stripes’ – Gout defended after claim of him ducking Lyles

     

    Justin Gatlin has backed Gout Gout’s decision not to race in the 200m against Noah Lyles in Monaco.

     

    Australian starlet Gout is one of the most exciting sprinters in world athletics and has been tipped to make history on the track.

     

     

    Gout excelled in the 200m once again in Monaco

     

    The 17-year-old travelled to Monaco earlier this month and ran 20.10 in a non-Diamond League U23 200m race.

     

    Gout beat a strong headwind to set the impressive time but did not take to the Diamond+ race at the Stade Louis II.

     

    Lyles, who won gold in the 100m at the 2024 Paris Olympics, raced a season’s best time of 19.88 to win in the 200m.

     

     

    There was a sense that Gout may have ducked Lyles but Olympic gold medallist Gatlin has defended the teenager’s decision not to run.

     

    “I didn’t like that it happened that way, but I think he kind of did that because he probably wouldn’t have got a preferable lane in that heat,” sprinter Rodney Green said on Ready Set Go.

     

     

    “He wasn’t going to get a lane… He probably prefers [lane] five, six, seven, eight or nine, one of those lanes. His agent couldn’t negotiate it, so he’s like, ‘We just run in another race.’”

     

    Gatlin replied: “I like the fact that he didn’t run in the big dog race, I like that. Because, we know what he can do, you know what I mean?

     

     

    “And of course, at some point in time we want to see him measure up against the big dogs.

     

    “If he’s going to go out and make his Australian team and go to world championships, there ain’t no running then.

     

    “You’ve got to race the big dogs at that point in time but until then, go out there and run. He ran 20.10, he went 20.10 in Monaco. That would’ve measured up right there with them dudes in the big race.”

     

    Lyles won the main 200m race, but Gout did not compete alongside him

    Lyles won the main 200m race, but Gout did not compete alongside him

     

    But Gatlin has dismissed the idea of him ducking Lyles

     

    Gatlin added: “I’m only saying that because me and Bernard grew up in an era where we raced in B races.

     

    “Not saying that this would happen, but if you run fast enough in a B race, you can get that pot that was in the A race if you race everybody there.

     

    “So, you’ve got to be able to earn your stripes and move your way up. I feel like him being at those races and maybe not facing off against those guys just yet, is him earning his stripes and him saying, ‘OK…’

     

     

    “What if he did jump in that race Rod, and then he gets fifth, right? First time overseas, never been to Monaco, those are all excuses.”

     

    Speaking in Monaco earlier in July, Gout explained his decision and said: “I didn’t compete in the main race because I just want to slowly get used to it.

     

    “There is no point putting me in big races when I am running at the world championships. The goal now is to go out there and have a little bit of fun.”

     

    Gout looks set for sprinting stardom and a stellar career

    Gout looks set for sprinting stardom and a stellar

     

    Gout recently ran 20.02 at the Ostrava Golden Spike event to set a new personal best.

     

    He is predicted to beat the legendary Usain Bolt’s world record times in the 100m and 200m, with the latter standing at 19.19.

     

     

  • Nebraska Basketball Freshman Leo Curtis Wraps Spectacular National Team Run

    Nebraska Basketball Freshman Leo Curtis Wraps Spectacular National Team Run

     

    The Iceland native completed a strong week of FIBA EuroBasket play in an impressive finish in Greece.

     

    Leo Curtis will be a freshman on the Huskers’ 2025-26 roster.

    Leo Curtis will be a freshman on the Huskers’ 2025-26 roster. / Nebraska Athletics

     

    Nebraska basketball’s newest freshman appears ready to bring his game back to the United States.

     

    Leo Curtis, the 7-foot-1, 220-pound forward from Iceland, dominated in international competition last week through Sunday during the 2025 U20 EuroBasket tournament in Greece. It was his third straight summer competing for Iceland, having played in the 2024 U20 EuroBasket and 2023 U18 EuroBasket events. The forward ended his campaign in the EuroBasket tourney Sunday, ending with a 63-56 loss to Germany.

     

    The incoming freshman scored 12 points in his final contest of the tournament, going 6-of-16 from the field and adding eight rebounds. Six of Curtis’ 12 points came in the fourth quarter, finishing his tournament leading Iceland in scoring with 14.6 points per contest.

     

    Nebraska freshman Fidrik Leo Curtis playing for Iceland

    Nebraska freshman Fidrik Leo Curtis playing for Iceland / Brandon Mesa

    Along with his nearly 15 points per game, Curtis finished the tournament with 8.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.7 blocks per game. He led the tournament in blocks per contest and ended 11th in points per game and third in rebounds per contest.

     

    The true freshman was a force throughout the week with several keynote performances, including a 22-point effort in the 88-67 Iceland victory on Saturday over Ukraine. Curtis ended with 22 points, eight rebounds, and two blocked shots in the contest as Iceland relied on a strong opening quarter to push ahead early. Curtis scored 17 of his 22 points in the opening half of the contest.

     

    The previous Saturday, Curtis opened the tournament with a 17-point, nine-rebound, five-assist, and three-steal performance in a 90-76 loss to Serbia. He then followed up with a double-double in a win over Slovenia, as Iceland pushed past in a 76-75 win. Curtis would contribute 20 points, 11 rebounds, six blocks, four assists, and one steal while shooting 6-of-11 and 8-of-10 from the free throw line.

     

    Curtis was on pace to average a double-double in pool play, going for 18.5 points, 10 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 3 blocks, and 2 steals per contest after two games. He did push past his papst EuroBasket performances, in which he averaged 5.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game in 2024 at the U20 games after a standout 2023 tournament as part of the U18 competition, averaging 8.6 points and 7.0 rebounds two years ago.

     

    The forward from Reykjavik, Iceland, spent his senior season at Cambrigde Arts, Technology and Science (CATS) Academy in Massachusetts. Curtis earned national prep All-America honorable-mention honors, averaging 12.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.7 blocks per game in his lone season in the United States.

     

    “Leo’s combination of size and skill set is an ideal fit for our system,” Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg said after Curtis’ signing with the Huskers in May. “He is a natural stretch forward who can initiate offense and put pressure on the rim.

    At 7-foot-1, he can impact both ends of the floor. He played for one of the best prep teams in the country this past season, and that will help him in his adjustment to the college game. He is a natural athlete who played soccer before turning his attention to basketball. He is just scratching the surface of his potential, and I believe his best days are ahead of him.”

     

    Fridrik Leo Curtis is the second prep addition for Nebraska’s 2025 class.

    Fridrik Leo Curtis is the second prep addition for Nebraska’s 2025 class.

    Curstis had some brief time in Lincoln before joining his national team, and now returns to Lincoln later this week.

     

     

  • Former Arizona track assistant named UTEP head coach | Greg Hansen

    Former Arizona track assistant named UTEP head coach | Greg Hansen

    The University of Arizona once had a live “Wildcat” mascot; however, the current mascot ─ with a few changes that include wife, Wilma, along the way ─ Wilbur the Wildcat has been a favorite around Tucson for more than 60 years.

     

    You might imagine the stress and feeling of upheaval when Fred Harvey resigned as Arizona’s track and field coach last month. Harvey had six full-time assistant coaches. What would happen to them? A head coach’s departure usually means a period of unemployment for the staff.

    For Francesca Green, Harvey’s retirement has turned out to be a triumph. She was hired last week to be the head coach of UTEP’s track and field and cross country teams, a promotion that seemed inevitable throughout her career. It’s somewhat of a surprise she wasn’t promoted to replace Harvey.

    Francesca Green, Arizona’s track and field coach, cheers after the college mens 4×4 during the Willie Williams Classic at Roy P. Drachman Stadium in Tucson on March 23, 2024. Grace Trejo, Arizona Daily Star

    A highly-skilled sprints/hurdles coach who was herself an elite-level competitor at Washington State 25 years ago, Green worked every conceivable job in 21 years at Arizona from director of operations to associate head coach to the unofficial role as second-mother and shoulder-to-cry on for UA track athletes. Her personality is such a strength. Said Harvey: “I’m like a proud dad. She has been groomed to run her own program.’’

    Although track and field doesn’t get a ton of attention at Arizona, Green left her impact in the UA athletic department. She is one of just five assistant coaches in UA history to spend 20 or more years on the job.

    She joins a select class that includes swimming’s Rick DeMont, 26 years; track’s Bob Myers, also 26 years; softball’s Larry Ray, 21 years; baseball’s Jim Wing, 20 years. Her name will be remembered with a touch of class, along with other long-tenured UA assistant coaches such as basketball’s Jim Rosborough, baseball’s Jerry Stitt and football’s Sharkey Price and Larry Mac Duff.

  • Washington Commanders 90-man depth chart, salary cap & roster overview ahead of the 2025 training camp

    Washington Commanders 90-man depth chart, salary cap & roster overview ahead of the 2025 training camp

     

    The Commanders have 90 healthy players comprising the oldest roster in the NFL and enter training camp with sky-high expectations

     

    There have been a number of roster additions and subtractions since the last offseason roster depth chart I published in Ma

     

    Added to NFI (non-football related injured reserve)

     

    Timothy McKay

    Players with NFI status — designated as such due to an injury or illness that occurred away from official team activity — are ineligible to practice until cleared but still count against a team’s 90-man roster limit.

    Rookies, whether drafted or not, who were injured prior to the draft are placed on NFI even if the injury is related to playing or training for college football or preparing for the draft. Players who remain on the NFI list after the league’s final cutdown day at the end of the preseason are required to miss a minimum of four games.

     

    Some notes on the depth chart below

    First, and most importantly, it should be clear at a glance that the graphic display below is not a true depth chart that shows the starter and backups at every position. In that kind of true depth chart, a single player may be listed at multiple positions (e.g., the starting left guard might also be the backup center and backup right guard; a cornerback might back up 3 positions in the secondary).

     

    In my ‘depth chart’, each player is assigned a single position because the purpose of the chart is to provide an easy-to-digest look at the full offseason roster.

     

    While it is intended to give some indication of positional depth, it is primarily intended as an easy reference for the 92 men (90 currently healthy — RG Sam Cosmi is expected to open camp on PUP and UDFA RG Timothy McKay is on NFI) who comprise the Commanders at the moment. I publish these ‘depth charts’ only in the offseason for the primary purpose of helping myself and other fans keep up with the frequent changes to the fluid roster. They do not serve the same function as in-season depth charts.

     

    Click here to access all the previously published offseason depth charts

     

    Secondly, since each player can occupy only one position on the chart — even though that player might end up playing several positions in a game or a season — I have to resolve things by making choices. For example, three cornerbacks — Jonathan Jones, Mike Sainristil and Noah Igbinoghene — each have played both wide and slot corner in their NFL careers and are considered competent (or better) at both.

    I have listed Jones as the starting CB opposite Marshon Lattimore while Sainristil and Igbinoghene are shown as starting and backup slot corners respectively. It’s more than possible that these players may end up being used differently, but a choice had to be made and I made it. This applies to other positions like offensive line, defensive line and wide receiver as well. If you aren’t happy with my choices — well, that’s what the comments section is for.

     

    In a related note, Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt embrace a certain amount of “positionless” play on the defensive side of the ball. I have included a “hybrid” position on this chart that essentially comprises big safeties/small linebackers who don’t fit neatly into just one position group. I added this to the depth chart graphic after Joe Whitt’s press conference in June at which he said that drafted rookie Kain Medrano would be tried at both LB and S in training camp:

     

    Kain is a unique kid because of his receiver background.

     

    Is he a linebacker really?

     

    Is he a safety?

     

    Can he do some of the Jeremy Chin roles? Can he do some of the Frankie Luvu roles?

     

    And so, we’re really testing the kid right now to see, alright, what is he going to be? And we’ll really tell a little bit more once we put the pads on.

     

    He can really run. Does he have the ability to cover a tight end? Does he have the ability to beat a tackle in the rush? So, is he Frankie or is he Jeremy or is he across of both? And that’s what I’m trying to find out with him.

     

    I ended up populating that position with four young players. Again, if you’re not thrilled with my choices here, feel free to discuss what’s wrong in the comments.

     

    The updated offseason roster/depth chart

     

    The numbers that appear beside some players’ names are 2025 cap hits per Over the Cap. I have not included cap hits below $1.5m.

     

    The Commanders currently have 43 defensive players, 44 (healthy) offensive players and 3 special teams players.

     

    Please note that assigned positions and color coding are my own personal opinions. They do not necessarily represent the thinking of Washington’s coaches or front office, nor are they necessarily consistent with fan consensus. This chart represents my personal interpretation, and may not reflect the thoughts of other writers on Hogs Haven.

     

    Finally, when it comes to backup players, I don’t put much effort into making sure that they are on the right or left or behind the specific player that they backup. I mostly just try to fit everyone on the chart efficiently as the goal is to visually represent the offseason roster and not predict regular season usage.

     

    Some notes on selected position groups

    Offensive line

    Probably the most unsettled position group is the offensive line. We know that Laremy Tunsil will start at left tackle and that Tyler Biadasz is the starting center. When healthy, Sam Cosmi is the starting right guard, but an ACL tear and subsequent surgery in late-January put his availability into question although Dan Quinn spoke optimistically about his recovery during the May OTAs.

     

    The rest of the position group is surrounded by questions. Quinn made it clear that last year’s starting LT, Brandon Coleman will be given every chance to win the starting LG spot in camp. First-round draft pick, Josh Conerly will compete with veteran Andrew Wylie for the starting right tackle job.

     

    If Conerly wins it, Wylie, along with last year’s starting LG Nick Allegretti, free agent Nate Herbig, and even veteran OT Trent Scott could all compete to start at Cosmi’s RG position while he is rehabbing. Herbig might also beat out Michael Deiter for the important role of backup center.

     

    Running back

    There is a lot of excitement about the explosiveness of 7th-round draft pick Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt, but if the Commanders continue to carry just 3 active running backs, then he will have a tough fight on his hands to break into the 53-man roster. There seems little doubt that Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler will be the top two backs in Kingsbury’s offense.

    To take the 3rd spot in the group, JCM will have to unseat veteran Jeremy McNichols, who, among other things, is a reliable pass protector. Both Chris Rodriguez, picked in the 6th round of the ‘23 draft, and 2024 UDFA Michael Wiley will also do their best to keep Croskey-Merritt from making the team ahead of them.

     

    Defensive line

    The biggest re-tooling efforts of the offseason involved the defensive secondary, the offensive line and, of course, the defensive line. New faces in the defensive front four include Von Miller, Javon Kinlaw, Deatrich Wise, Eddie Goldman and Jacob Martin. Goldman should help bolster the middle of the line while Wise and Martin should play traditional DE roles.

     

    Kinlaw has the ability to play both DT and DE, as he did with the Jets a year ago, and, this season, he might be asked to play more 5-tech this than ever before in his career. Von Miller will be a situational pass rusher who should see around 30% of defensive snaps, primarily on 3rd downs.

     

     

    Now that training camp rosters are basically set for all 32 teams, it’s been pointed out by numerous observers that the Commanders have the oldest roster in the NFL.

     

     

     

    This is nothing new. The Commanders opened the ‘24 season with the 8th oldest team in the NFL and went on to win 12 regular season games and reach the NFC Championship game. Experienced players bring a lot of benefits to a roster.

     

    The danger of an older roster is having aging and declining players locked into multi-year contracts, which is definitely not the case with the Washington team.

     

    When it comes to the 2025 Commanders, this league-oldest roster — as was true last year — is a relic of the poor drafting that took place during Ron Rivera’s 4-year tenure from 2020 to 2023. Because Adam Peters and Dan Quinn are working on a multi-year recalibration of the franchise, the current average roster age is a feature, not a bug.

     

    The team is built around its incredible quarterback

    Of course, the key to Washington’s roster is at the quarterback position. The Commanders made the best pick in the draft a year ago when they selected Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 overall pick. Unfortunately, they had that pick because they weren’t a good team.

     

    By hiring GM Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn, who assembled an impressive coaching staff across the board, the Commanders solved the leadership issues at the executive and coaching levels immediately.

     

    But an NFL roster can’t be re-loaded with young talent in a single year, and much of the work last season was comprised of cleaning up messes left behind by Ron Rivera. Young players like Jamin Davis, Emmanuel Forbes, Phil Mathis, and Benjamin St-Juste were given the chance to compete, but ultimately let go.

     

    To take advantage of having the best QB in the NFC on the Commanders roster, Peters turned to free agency and the trade market to fill in roster holes with veteran players, who, by definition, are older players.

     

    But Peters didn’t just sign the guys with the flashiest stats. He took into consideration how each player complements the rest of the team’s roster; he paid attention to relationships with coaches, and he relied heavily on one-year contracts that both incentivize players to perform at a high level to earn an extension and offer the team maximum flexibility in roster construction in the following season.

     

    Who are the older players on the roster?

    Think back a year ago to the criticisms leveled at older players on the roster.

     

    Zach Ertz was supposed to be ‘washed’; he responded with his best season since leaving Philly, compiling 654 yards and 7 touchdowns in the regular season and another 18 catches for 13 first downs and a TD in the playoffs.

     

    Austin Ekeler was thought to be done after he struggled through a tough year with the Chargers in 2023. Last year, his first as a Commander, he averaged 4.8 yards per rush and 10.5 yards per reception, rivaling the best seasons of his career.

     

    In 2024, 30-year-old Marcus Mariota was perceived to be a failed quarterback with a losing record who was a bad signing. In fact, he not only mentored rookie Jayden Daniels through the best season by a rookie QB in modern NFL history, but played an integral role in the season by coming off the bench to lead the team to 2 crucial wins in the 12-win regular season.

     

    The criticisms this year involve these same players along with others like Laremy Tunsil, Jonathan Jones, Eddie Goldman, Deatrich Wise, Deebo Samuel, Terry McLaurin, Jacob Martin, Marshon Lattimore and Noah Brown, who are all between 29 and 31 years of age.

     

    Personally, I expect the results we saw in 2024 — continued or resurrected on-field performance like that of Ertz, Ekeler and Mariota — to be repeated in 2025.

     

    The 9 oldest Commanders players

    Putting Von Miller aside for the moment, the oldest players on the roster are also mostly filling roles where their age is not much of an issue, if at all:

     

    Josh Johnson – 39 yo – Camp QB who will likely never take a snap in Commanders uniform in the 2025 regular season

    Nick Bellore – 36 yo – Special teams ace who led the NFL in ST tackles last year

    Tress Way – 35 yo – He’s the punter, and one of the best in the league

    Bobby Wagner – 35 yo – This would be the 2024 Pro Bowl and 2nd-team All Pro linebacker recently named to the 2025 top-100 players list

    Zach Ertz – 34 yo – The guy who caught 6 TD passes in the final 7 games of the regular season in ‘24

    Tyler Ott – 33 yo — The long snapper; I mean, c’mon!

    Carl Davis, Chris Moore and Kevon Seymour – 33, 32, and 31 respectively – three backups who are ‘on the bubble’ in training camp

    These are the 9 oldest players, comprising 10% of the Commanders current healthy roster. It doesn’t require a very critical eye to see that the oldest players on this roster are not any sort of detriment to team success.

     

    Great coaching and Jayden Daniels are force multipliers

    A force multiplier is a factor or a combination of factors that significantly increases the effectiveness of a force or a group, allowing it to achieve more with the same or fewer resources. Essentially, it’s something that amplifies the impact of an existing capability

     

    It is generally accepted that the 2024 Commanders did not have the most talented roster in the NFL last year. In fact, many informed observers went into the 2024 season saying that it was at best a bottom-third roster in terms of talent. I’m not here to argue otherwise.

     

    How did that stitched-together roster comprised of such limited talent reach the NFC Championship game?

     

    The Commanders had the benefit of two force multipliers: Dan Quinn and his coaching staff, and Jayden Daniels. The good news is that both of these force multipliers are back for the ‘25 season.

     

    Dan Quinn

    Last year, Dan Quinn convinced me that, having learned from both past success and past failure, he brought a highly-evolved approach to his position as head coach of the Commanders.

     

    Initially, it felt like a lot of Dan Quinn’s purported strengths were reminiscent of Ron Rivera’s approach with a strong focus on players and culture, but it quickly became apparent that DQ’s approach, while superficially similar, was fundamentally and massively more effective. I won’t try to summarize his approach here; enough has been written and spoken about it for every Commanders fan to be aware of what DQ did from his first day on the job in Washington.

     

    If you know, you know. If you don’t, Google can be your friend here. Remember that Dan Quinn spent a significant amount of time learning how to coach from Pete Carroll in Seattle.

     

    The fact is that, last year, Quinn rapidly and effectively melded a diverse group of veterans and young players into a tight-knit team that was greater than the sum of its parts. Relationship was part of that calculus, but so were preparation, mental and physical conditioning, and continuous attention to detail. Week after week in 2024, I saw players in burgundy & gold who were, if not more talented than their opponents, usually more disciplined and better prepared.

     

    I saw Washington coaches who demonstrated commitment to a play style and a strategy that seemed unwavering. I saw the Commanders winning most of the close games they played, not because they were lucky, but because they were better coached, better prepared, and more disciplined.

     

    In short, Quinn and the rest of the coaching staff did the work needed to turn a roster comprised of a lot of young players, old players, and players of middling talent into a high-functioning unit (or set of units) that punched above their weight class last season.

     

    In 2025, we will find out if it was a one-year fluke or if the coaching results are sustainable. I’m betting on the latter.

     

    Jayden Daniels

    The single greatest advantage that the Commanders have is second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels. He was a mistake-eraser and a play extender on offense as a rookie.

    He was clearly and completely in charge of the offense from Week 3 onward (though the scheme and playcalling were limited during the mid-season 3-game losing streak due to JD5’s injury). And while the Bengals’ quarterback may be known as “Joe Cool”, Daniels showed week after week that he has ice water flowing through his veins. As a rookie in 2024, he was already the coolest dude in the NFL under even the most intense of pressurized moments.

     

    Anyone who evaluates the Washington roster by trying to objectively assess the skill levels of each position group and compare the result to rosters of other teams will likely underestimate the Commanders — not because Washington’s team is jam-packed with talent on both sides of the ball — but because Dan Quinn and his staff are better coaches than most, and Jayden Daniels is capable of putting on the Superman cape as needed. These two force multipliers give the Commanders advantages — “Skintangibles” if you will — that are difficult to quantify, but which were on full display in much of the 2024 regular season and the first two rounds of the playoffs.

     

    Quinn and Daniels act as force multipliers that turn what might be viewed as an unimpressive roster into a group of winners — players that fight together, believe in each other, and simply perform better under pressure than most of their opponents.

     

    Salary Cap Update

    The most recent salary cap numbers available from Over the Cap do not include the recent signing of Von Miller and, of course, do not reflect any possible cap implications from a likely Terry McLaurin extension.

     

    Based on these un-adjusted numbers, the Commanders currently have the 17th most (or 16th least) available cap space at $21.3m.

     

    Von Miller’s deal is rumored to have a base value of around $6.1m, a number that we will take at face value until details of the contract become public later this week.

     

    If you subtract $6.1m from the available cap space for Miller, then add back $1.1m for Foster Sorrell, who gets pushed out of the top-51 offseason cap space calculation, then the expected cap space after the Miller contract is processed is around $15.3m, which would probably be the 8th lowest in the league right now.

     

    The impact of a McLaurin extension is impossible to estimate. Depending on its structure, the ‘25 cap space figure could rise, fall or remain unchanged.

     

    My personal bet is that his extension, when it is signed, will not affect his 2025 cap charges at all, but we’ll (hopefully) know the answer to that question soon.

     

     

    A little discussion of dead cap

    Washington currently has the 9th lowest dead cap at $14.1m. Dead cap isn’t necessarily a sign of poor management — and may be a sign of superior strategic planning — but the top-3 teams with respect to dead cap are:

     

    49ers – $93.6m

    Saints – $82.7m

    Eagles – $76.9m

    The Saints are paying the price for a decade of poor ad hoc cap decisions. It looks like 2025 will be a year of pain, and it may not be the last one. New Orleans is currently projected to be $24m over the ‘26 cap, and that number is likely to only get worse before next offseason.

     

    The Niners are in a process of transition as they navigate the end of Brock Purdy’s incredibly cheap rookie contract and move into a new phase, with a lot of dead cap hitting the books this year as they re-work the roster.

     

    The Eagles under GM Howie Roseman are simply playing the salary cap game differently than everyone else, consciously choosing to defer cap spending, with resulting dead cap numbers that might make other NFL general managers feel a bit faint. But Roseman is working to a plan that he understands, and his track record of creatively navigating the salary cap and the NFL trade market should give pause to anyone who wants to denigrate his strategy, especially with Philly’s current deep and talented roster and a shiny new Lombardi Trophy in the case at Eagles HQ.

     

    Commanders dead cap

    When you look at Washington’s dead cap detail, it looks pretty similar to most NFL teams. The bottom 4 charges total only about $1.6m and simply represent draft picks that didn’t work out. The two earlier round picks (Mathis and Stromberg) sting a bit because of the draft capital used, but the cap impact of these four players is fairly minimal.

     

     

    The $2m for Jahan Dotson, who was traded to the Eagles last August, is simply the un-prorated portion of his signing bonus, as is the $6m for Jonathan Allen, who was released prior to the start of the 2025 league year. While so

  • Killarney sprinter Sarah Leahy part of team to break Irish 4x100m relay record

    Killarney sprinter Sarah Leahy part of team to break Irish 4x100m relay record

     

    Kerry athletes win silver and bronze medals at International Schools Games; Kieran Keane is awarded the Athletics Fair Play

     

    Sarah Leahy (Killarney Valley), right, who helped the Irish women’s 4x100m relay team to a national record at the Diamond League in London on Saturday. From left: Sarah Lavin, Ciara Neville, Lauren Roy and Sarah Leahy

    Sarah Leahy (Killarney Valley), right, who helped the Irish women’s 4x100m relay team to a national record at the Diamond League in London on Saturday. From left: Sarah Lavin, Ciara Neville, Lauren Roy and Sarah Leahy

     

     

    Sarah Leahy took a giant step in her athletics career on Saturday when she contributed to a historic 4x100m relay run in the throbbing atmosphere that was the Diamond League Meet in London. In an all-round fast relay event, the Irish team broke the Irish record in style in a sizzling time of 47.73 seconds, with Killarney Valley’s Leahy using her lightning speed off the blocks to set up the gala run for the team.

     

    Leahy was in good company. She shot off the blocks like a bullet and already the record was shivering before she shared the baton with Lauren Roy, Ciara Neville and Sarah Lavin.

     

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  • Zambian Sprinter Caught in Shocking Viral Sex Tape Scandal

    Zambian Sprinter Caught in Shocking Viral Sex Tape Scandal

     

     

    The two ladies are under investigation after a viral explicit video surfaced, prompting disciplinary action and public outrage over morality concerns.

    Zambian 200m sprint queen Rhoda Njobvu has found herself at the heart of a national scandal after an explicit video allegedly featuring her and another woman surfaced online.

     

    The leaked footage, which has gone viral across social media platforms, purportedly shows the renowned athlete—who also serves as a sergeant in the Zambia National Service (ZNS)—engaged in a sexual act with another woman believed to be a Zambia Correctional Service officer.

     

     

    Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

     

    The incident has triggered disciplinary actions within the military ranks, an ongoing criminal investigation by the Zambia Police, and public statements from multiple institutions tasked with upholding morality and professionalism as per Mwebantu.

     

    “We have come across a video that is circulating on some social media platforms depicting one of our sponsored athletes, Sergeant Rhoda Njobvu, engaging in an obscene and indecent act with another woman. Not only are we disappointed as an institution, but we are also deeply abhorred by this kind of behaviour, which is at variance with the core values that the institution is anchored on,” said ZNS Chief of Public Relations, Brigadier General Mable Nyone.

     

    ZNS Reacts with Disciplinary Action

     

     

    Brigadier General Nyone confirmed that internal disciplinary proceedings against Njobvu have been instituted, emphasizing that the ZNS strongly distances itself from any conduct that undermines its ethical foundations.

     

    “The Service is built on the values of morality and ethics, and as a government wing, it is guided by constitutional provisions, including the promotion of national values and ethics,” she stated.

     

    She went on to issue a stern warning to other ZNS personnel, saying any conduct that tarnishes the institution’s image would face the “full force of disciplinary action.”

     

    “To this effect, ZNS wishes to reaffirm its commitment to the nation that it will continue to serve with integrity and uphold national values and principles,” she added.

     

     

    Police and Athletics Body Launch Investigations

     

     

    Meanwhile, the Zambia Police Service has launched a formal investigation into the video’s origin, content, and distribution. Authorities have cautioned the public against circulating the explicit material, warning of possible prosecution.

     

    “We urge the general public to refrain from circulating or downloading such material. Any person found in breach of the law will be dealt with accordingly,” said Police Public Relations Officer Rae Hamoonga.

     

    Citing Section 177 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia, Hamoonga stated that the creation and sharing of obscene content is a criminal offence.

     

    “The Zambia Police remains committed to upholding public morality, enforcing the law, and protecting the dignity of all individuals,” he added.

     

     

    In a parallel development, Zambia Athletics (ZA), the national athletics governing body, has formed a three-member committee to verify the authenticity of the footage and establish the circumstances behind its release.

     

    “As an institution founded on the principles of professionalism, discipline, and national pride, we have launched an internal process to verify the facts and engage the relevant parties involved,” said ZA President Bernard Bwalya.

     

    He urged the public to exercise restraint during the investigation. “We have taken note of the viral content but ask for patience as investigations proceed.”

     

    The case has sparked broader national conversations about morality, digital privacy, and the responsibilities of public figures in Zambia.

     

    The two world record holders meet in a high-stakes 10,000m race at Kenya’s trials for the 2025 World Championships.

    A must-watch race at Kenya’s trials for the 2025 World Athletics Championships is brewing as fireworks are expected in the women’s 10,000m final on Tuesday at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, Langata in Nairobi.

     

    The event has attracted a world-class field headlined by global sensations Beatrice Chebet and Agnes Jebet Ng’etich—two athletes who both hold world records and are in blistering form.

     

    Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

     

     

    Noah Lyles Brushes Off Nerves Before Facing Akani Simbine and Letsile Tebogo in 100m Debut

    Only two automatic spots are up for grabs for the Tokyo World Championships set for September 13–21.

     

    Fresh off setting a new women’s 5,000m world record at the Prefontaine Classic earlier this month, Chebet will be eyeing a memorable double in Tokyo.

     

    But she will have to hold off fierce competition, led by Ng’etich, the women’s 10km road race world record holder, who is also targeting a 5,000m and 10,000m double.

     

    “My training has been impeccable and I will do doubt fancy my chances against the more illustrious Chebet,” warned Ng’etich, who has been in razor-sharp form since the season began.

     

    Clash of the Titans at Ulinzi

    The Prefontaine Classic provided a preview of this looming clash, with Chebet clocking 13:58.06 to shatter the 5,000m world record as Ng’etich pushed her to the line in 14:01.29—making her the third-fastest woman ever in the distance.

     

    Now, with national pride and Tokyo qualification on the line, the duo is set to face off again in a race expected to deliver drama, speed, and grit.

     

    Chebet, the 10,000m world record holder at 28:54.14, became the first woman in history to dip under the 29-minute barrier over the distance last year at the same venue in Eugene.

     

    “I want to double in Tokyo, but I must earn my place in the 10,000m by finishing top two. That’s my first focus,” said Chebet.

     

     

    Who is Athing Mu’s husband? Everything you need to know about her mysterious partner

    Ng’etich, who has a personal best of 31:34.83 in 10,000m on track, is eager to translate her incredible road form to the oval.

     

    She stunned the world in Valencia last year when she clocked a jaw-dropping 28:46 to become the first woman to run 10km on the road in under 29 minutes.

     

    Formidable Field Beyond the Headliners

    While the spotlight may be firmly on Chebet and Ng’etich, the field is stacked with talent and ambition.

     

    Lilian Kasait, who owns a personal best of 29:26.84, will be pushing to secure a top-two finish and disrupt the favourites.

     

    Agnes Ngetich

    Africa Games champion Janeth Chepng’etich, with a PB of 30:04.94, also poses a real threat, and will be motivated by the chance to shine on home soil.

     

    Meanwhile, Catherine Reline, fresh from winning the Kaptagat Half Marathon just last weekend, is in peak condition and eager to stake her claim.

     

    Reline, who trains in Kapsait and holds a 10,000m PB of 30:07.42, brings to the race podium experience and a winning mentality.

     

     

    Usain Bolt Reveals Key Fix Oblique Seville Needs to Totally Dominate Noah Lyles Amid 100m London Diamond League Win

    According to Athletics Kenya director of competitions Paul Mutwii, “The first two across the line automatically make the team, while the third athlete will be selected by a panel.”

     

    Tuesday’s women’s 10,000m final promises to be nothing short of explosive—a clash of champions with national pride and global glory hanging in the balance.

  • Usain Bolt Reveals Key Fix Oblique Seville Needs to Totally Dominate Noah Lyles Amid 100m London Diamond League Win

    Usain Bolt Reveals Key Fix Oblique Seville Needs to Totally Dominate Noah Lyles Amid 100m London Diamond League Win

     

    Seville stunned a stacked 100m field that included Noah Lyles on his London Diamond League debut on Saturday, but Usain Bolt has already revealed what he can do to get even better.

    On Saturday, Oblique Seville edged out Noah Lyles in the 100m at the 2025 London Diamond League on Saturday.

     

    Seville, a Jamaican compatriot of Usain Bolt -who has already backed him more than once – , clocked a winning time of 9.86 seconds, leaving Lyles trailing with a time of 10 seconds flat.

     

    This isn’t the first time Bolt, the eight-time Olympic gold medalist and world record holder in both the 100m and 200m, has expressed his admiration for Seville.

     

     

     

    Earlier this year, Bolt predicted Seville had the potential to break his 100m world record, stating on The Fix podcast, “Oblique can do it. If he can stay fit through the season and get it right, he can do it because I’m sure there’s something there, the ability to do it.”

     

    Bolt acknowledged Seville’s occasional struggles with injuries, adding, “Some of the time Oblique can be fragile… but if he’s doing enough work, he can do it. It’s a matter of time because he’s not missed the finals yet, so it’s just to get over the hump.”

     

    Kishane Thompson Voices Concern Despite Relay Win in London

    Kishane Thompson Voices Concern Despite Relay Win in London

    Lyles, the current Olympic 100m champion, had previously received Bolt’s endorsement as a potential challenger to his 200m record. “I think the possibility is there,” Bolt had said before the Paris Olympics. “If he corrects a few things, he could get better.”

     

    However, Lyles’ recent performances haven’t lived up to those expectations. He took bronze in the 200m at the World Championships in Paris, finishing behind Kenneth Bednarek and Letsile Tebogo. His second-place finish in London further underscores the challenge he faces in reaching Bolt’s legendary marks.

     

    Following his victory in London, a jubilant Seville commented, “I am proud of how I ran amongst a stacked field, and to win. I was the only one to run under 10 seconds today, it is something special and phenomenal heading into a major championship later this year.”

     

    Looking ahead to the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo this September, Seville added, “Everything I have been practising in training, I delivered out there today.

     

    “Coming out here and performing against these athletes makes me want to push a little harder. London is the place I wanted to run, so to get the Diamond League win here is very special to me.”