D1 Training NFL Draft Class: From D1 Turf to OTA’s

With less than two months to the start of NFL preseason, it’s a BLAST to check in on the D1 Athletes who are getting a taste of the pros. D1 Training facilities in Sugar Land, Pleasanton, and Atascocita scored the bragging rights for this year’s 2024 NFL Draft. Proof positive that dreams can become reality on D1 Training Turf.

The team at D1 Training Sugar Land, in Texas, could hardly contain their excitement watching the NFL Draft this spring in downtown Detroit. Layden Robinson, a guard from Texas A&M who trained at D1Training Sugar Land, was picked up in the fourth round by the New England Patriots.

In Robinson’s draft profile on the New England Patriot’s website, there’s reference to his athleticism, power, and ability to run, a result of his hard work and dedication to training.

The coaches at D1 Training know a little something about hard work and dedication. The 5-Star Training, science-backed, Division I inspired workouts at D1 require commitment from the coaches on the turf, and the athletes striving to reach their goals. What an outstanding example Robinson has set for other members at D1 Training.

Out west at D1 Training Pleasanton, in California, three D1 athletes hit the turf mid-January to be ready for the NFL Draft. Darius Long, a defensive lineman from Cal Berkeley is an undrafted free agent. Isaiah Avery, a cornerback who played for Portland State was invited to the San Francisco 49er’s Mini Camp, and Jermain Johnson, a wide receiver who played for Idaho was signed as an undrafted free agent to the New Orleans Saints.

Avery made his mark in San Francisco at the mini camp, referenced in a Sports Illustrated article as one of the “Good” standout players for his ability to shut down first-round pick Ricky Pearsall. And Johnson is holding his own in New Orleans. Local news website nola.com says he may be a hidden gem of a return man for special teams.

D1 Training coach Joseph Mar worked with the trio in Pleasanton, pointing out that their training not only benefitted themselves, but set a great example for younger athletes.

“As a coaching staff, we pride ourselves on taking any level of athlete and helping them develop and improve on their needs and demands for sport,” said Mar. “The amount of professional and college athletes that come in from a day-to-day basis really helps drive and motivate the younger generation. It's really a special place when you can have pro and collegiate athletes training together with high school kids and giving them advice and pointers.”

D1 Training IS a special place, just ask the team at D1 Atascocita in Humble, Texas. Humble is the name but they have every reason not to be! Four D1 Training athletes were signed to teams as undrafted free agents.

• The Minnesota Vikings signed defensive lineman Sam “Taki” Taimani from Oregon
• The Carolina Panthers signed offensive tackle Popo Aumavae from Oregon
• The Baltimore Ravens signed offensive tackle Darrell Simpson from Oklahoma
• The New York Jets signed cornerback Shemar Bartholomew from Georgia Southern

Now that’s a line up! The team at D1 Atascocita were ecstatic but not surprised, as indicated on their Instagram story.

“Shout out to Coach AP and all our NFL Combine Athletes! They all made it!! We’ve watched you guys work so hard every day and we’re so proud of your accomplishments!”

The athletes are shining in OTA activities. Taimani has an opportunity to lead as a nose tackle. A recent article in sportingnews.com notes, “He excels early and often.”

Popo Aumavae has signed a three-year contract with Carolina who will decide whether to utilize his mass and skill as a much-needed nose tackle. NFL analyst Lance Zierlein says Simpson possesses tremendous size and arm length, and “When he throws independent hands with timing, he can stall rush plans quickly and he’s good at keeping his hands active to stay in the fight.”

The teams and coaches within the D1 brand are proud to be instrumental in helping hundreds of thousands of athletes reach their fitness goals each season. We can’t wait to see where the future takes these, and all, D1 Training athletes.