Independence
Community College (also known as "Indy") in Independence, Kansas, is
home of "Pirates" athletic teams.
Two former
Indy football players, Chad Davis and Calvin Jackson, now WSU Cougar football
team members, are included in Netflix’s "Last Chance U," documentary featuring
the Indy football team.
Davis
describes Pullman (population appx. 33,354) as “New York City,” compared to
Independence (pop. appx. 9,483).
…………………………………
From ‘Last
Chance U’ to Wazzu
Two
players on Leach’s roster were featured in Netflix documentary
WSU
football soph safety Chad Davis Jr. and junior wide receiver Calvin Jackson
Jr., both played for Independence Community College in Kansas last season, and
were a part of the Netflix documentary series “Last Chance U.”
By JACKSON
GARDNER, Evergreen
August 20,
2018
From high
school ball on Florida’s southern shores to playing at a junior college in
Independence, Kansas, it seems fitting that the next stop for junior wide
receiver Calvin Jackson Jr. and sophomore safety Chad Davis Jr. would be on the
opposite side of the country from where they started their football journey.
Fitting,
because football has a funny way of giving all sorts of wonderful opportunities
to the athletes who endure never-ending adversity. And Jackson and Davis would
be the first ones to tell you about it in a unique way — say, being a part of
the Netflix original series “Last Chance U,” a reality TV show that follows a
junior college football or JUCO pro-gram.
As a duo,
their story is quite remarkable in the sense that they are two completely
different individuals yet they have never been farther apart than the distance
that separates their hometowns in Florida.
Jackson, a
very outgoing personality, characterized being on camera all the time as “a
once in a lifetime thing,” while Davis, who is much more reserved, didn’t like
being in front of the cameras at all.
“It was a
great opportunity, and I seized it,” Jackson said about being heavily featured
on “Last Chance U”.
“Honestly,
I wasn’t a fan of the cameras,” Davis said. “I tried to stay away from the
cameras, I went to JUCO on a business trip, not to get some type of clout or
notoriety off of Last Chance U.”
Both
Jackson and Davis were blindsided by the news that they were about to become
reality TV stars.
For
Jackson, the show was shot in his second year at Independence Community College
in Kansas and when he received word that Netflix chose his school, he couldn’t
have been more thrilled.
“We were
pretty excited about it,” Jackson said about going through the selection
process of “Last Chance U”. “They came in during the summer to interview us and
we were one of the seven schools, so at first we thought we weren’t going to
get it, and then we got the call a few weeks later that they selected us, and
that was just crazy. Everyone was excited.”
But for
Davis, the news came just after he made the decision to come to Indy nine days before
its report date.
“When I
got there, they told me Netflix would be coming for Last Chance U,” Davis said.
“I thought they would be coming for just a game not the whole season, so it
definitely took me by surprise.”
Jackson
and Davis’ differences are notable, but their similarities are what truly
define their story. Despite differences in personality or feelings toward “Last
Chance U,” they knew they went to Independence CC for one reason: to get out.
If you
watch “Last Chance U,” you’ll hear this all the time: “I’m going to get out,”
or “I’m going to make it.”
Sure, it
is poetic and makes you root for them, but the cold, hard reality of their
situation is that not everyone makes it. Not everyone is going to the league
like they say they are. A lot of them won’t even make it to the next level of
college football, let alone become a professional.
But
neither Jackson nor Davis would let their dreams die in a rural town in Kansas,
far away from what they call home.
While
their performance at the JUCO level is what earned them their scholarships at
WSU, they have turned away from the status quo of what “making it” means for a
JUCO athlete. They both admit that they hope to make it to the NFL after their
time at WSU, but they both have plans for careers outside of playing football.
Both
Jackson and Davis are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sport management and
would like to stay around the game.
For
Jackson, he would like to participate in football however he can, whether as a
coach or an athletic trainer. Davis hopes to get involved in sports
administration when he decides to hang up the cleats.
So here
they are, in Pullman, Washington — which Davis described as “New York City,”
compared to Independence — starting their own new season of “Last Chance U.”
But in this version, Netflix won’t be there to film it. Reality TV has finally
run its course, and for Jackson and Davis, it’s back to plain and refreshing
reality.
::::::::::::::
Distinguished
community members receive awards
Walk of
fame inductees include former WSU professor, football coach
Retired
WSU football coach Mike Price expresses his gratitude after receiving a
"Famous Sports Figures" award on Saturday at the Lentil Festival Walk
of Fame ceremony.
By
ANGELICA RELENTE, Evergreen
August 20,
2018
Since
2003, individuals who have served the Pullman community through promoting
goodwill have been honored with a plaque inscribed with their name on the
sidewalk around downtown Pullman.
Members of
the Pullman community gathered around Sam Dial Jewelers on Aug. 18 to honor the
2018 Walk of Fame inductees at the 30th National Lentil Festival.
One of the
inductees was Richard Daugherty, a late WSU archaeologist, researcher, author
and professor. Daugherty was a “WSU President’s and Distinguished Members of
the WSU Community” honoree who brought national recognition to Pullman.
Francis
Benjamin, president of the Pullman Kiwanis Club, said Daugherty taught
anthropology and archaeology courses at WSU in 1951 until he retired in 1982.
Daugherty and Ruth Kirk, authors of “Hunters of the Whale,” won the Fourth
Annual Children’s Science Book award by the New York Academy of Science along
with other recognitions. Daugherty’s son, Rick, received the award on his
behalf.
“As we
grew up, we didn’t realize all the things that he did accomplish. We were just
kids,” Rick said. “We are truly honored that you have chosen to honor him in
this fashion.”
Mike
Price, a retired WSU football coach, was another Walk of Fame inductee. Price
was honored as one of the “Famous Sports Figures” due to accomplishments such
as being the only coach to lead WSU to five bowl games. These bowls include the
1992 Copper, 1994 Alamo, 1997 Rose, 2001 Sun and 2003 Rose Bowl.
Price was
inducted in the Washington State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016. He also
mentored notable players such as quarterbacks Drew Bledsoe, Ryan Leaf and Jason
Gesser.
“I’m
really humbled,” Price said.
Ivan and
Velma Sayles were inducted as “Distinguished Residents” who continually
contributed and provided service for the Pullman community. Ed Felt, member of
the Pullman Rotary Club, said the Sayles lived in Pullman for a combined 167
years.
“I just
wish Mom and Dad had those [Fitbits],” Carol Sayles Rydbom, one of Ivan and
Velma’s daughters, said. “I wonder how many steps they would have taken in
these sidewalks in downtown Pullman and all around.”
Felt said
Ivan was active in the community and was a member of organizations such as the
Pullman City Council, Pullman Lions Club and Pullman Chamber of Commerce. Velma
was also active and was a part of the 4-H Youth Development Program and the
Pullman Regional Hospital Auxiliary. Being involved in the community is
something the Sayles truly valued.
“I asked
Dad one time—‘Dad, what floats your boat?’” Carol said. “He said, ‘I just like
to help people.’ And he meant it.”
…………………………….
WSU
FOOTBALL
Cougars in
the NFL: Keeping track of former Washington State players trying to lock down
53-man roster spots
UPDATED:
Mon., Aug. 20, 2018, 7:33 p.m.
By Theo
Lawson Spokane S-R
A host of
former Washington State football players, including Luke Falk, River Cracraft
and Frankie Luvu, are trying to make NFL rosters for the first time this fall.
Another wave of ex-Cougars, including Xavier Cooper, Vince Mayle and Joe Dahl,
are multi-year pros who are spending the month of August trying to hold off
hungry rookies like Falk, Cracraft and Luvu.
Twelve
former WSU players are currently in NFL training camps. We take a look at all
12 and handicap their chances of making the cut come Sept. 1.
Deone
Bucannon, Arizona Cardinals
Update:
After hyperextending his knee a few weeks ago near the start of training camp,
the fifth-year linebacker is expected to return to practice this week and could
make his preseason debut on Saturday at Dallas.
53-man
chances: Lock. Bucannon’s started in each of four NFL seasons and he’s expected
to take on more of a leadership role with the Cardinals this season.
Luke Falk,
Tennessee Titans
Update:
The Pac-12 record-setter has played well in two preseason games, throwing a
touchdown in the waning minutes of his NFL debut – on fourth down no less. In
minimal playing time, Falk has completed 18 of 31 passes for 169 yards, one TD
and most importantly, no interceptions.
QB Luke
Falk ➡️
TE @TDSemisch85
53-man
chances: Questionable. Does Tennessee want to keep two quarterbacks or three?
If it’s the former, the Titans will retain Marcus Mariota and Blaine Gabbert
and drop Falk. If it’s the latter, they’ll hold onto him. Remember, Tennessee
did invest a sixth-round draft pick in the former WSU QB.
Cole
Madison, Green Bay Packers
Update:
Madison’s situation continues to be perplexing and growing more worrisome. The
former WSU right tackle still hasn’t reported to Green Bay training camp and
Packers general manager Brian Gutenkunst has said they don’t expect him
“anytime soon.” On the bright side, Madison’s agent has indicated he will play
for the club at some point.
53-man
chances: Probable. Green Bay has shown commitment to its fifth-round pick and
been patient with Madison as he continues to deal with the personal matter
that’s kept him from joining the Packers. Green Bay wouldn’t need to spend a
53-man roster spot on Madison to keep his rights, either.
Frankie
Luvu, New York Jets
Update:
Colt McCoy’s ears may still be ringing from the powerful blow Luvu delivered to
the Washington quarterback in a preseason game last week. Luvu blew up McCoy
and subsequently blew up Twitter, but he was also flagged for two personal foul
penalties in the game, roughing the passer and violating the new helmet rule,
which certainly doesn’t help his case.
53-man
chances: Probable. Luvu played mostly with the second team in the preseason
game against the Redskins, but he’s spent loads of time with the No. 1 defense
during camp and many seem to think he’ll stick with the Jets in his first pro
season.
Shalom
Luani, Oakland Raiders
Update:
Luani played in 16 games last season and started in one for the Raiders, making
18 total tackles and defending two passes. He’s made five tackles in two
preseason games against Los Angeles and Detroit, and had a highlight takedown
on Rams running back John Kelley in the most recent preseason contest.
53-man
chances: Unlikely. It’s evident Luani has the skill set to play in the NFL, but
perhaps not in Oakland this season. The vast majority of 53-man roster
projections have omitted the former Cougar safety, but he still has time left
to prove himself.
Daniel
Ekuale, Cleveland Browns
Update: A
calf injury sustained in late July on the first day of preseason training camp
has precluded Ekuale from practicing with Cleveland or appearing in any of the
Browns’ preseason games. But it’s probably been a memorable experience for
Ekuale nonetheless, with HBO “Hard Knocks” cameras roaming around practice
capturing every moment of Browns camp.
53-man
chances: Unlikely. It would’ve been an uphill climb for Ekuale either way, but
an injury setback of course doesn’t bode well for a free agent who needed every
opportunity to prove himself – and now may not get any.
Hercules
Mata’afa, Minnesota Vikings
Update:
More of a reminder than an update: Mata’afa tore his ACL during Minnesota’s OTA
camp in June and will spend the entirety of his rookie season on injured reserve.
53-man
chances: Mata’afa, who went undrafted, will earn the rookie minimum salary this
season and vie for a true roster spot when he’s healthy next season.
Vince
Mayle, Baltimore Ravens
Update:
Mayle enters his fifth NFL season and will hope to complete a third full season
with the Ravens in 2018-19. He’s made three catches for a total of 12 yards in
two preseason games and continues to demonstrate his value as a special teams
contributor. Ravens coach John Harbaugh was quoted Saturday as saying “Vince
Mayle has had a tremendous camp.”
53-man
chances: Questionable. Depending where you look, Mayle is either considered a
roster lock because of what he provides to special teams or an easy omission
because that’s about all he can contribute to this Baltimore team.
Joe Dahl,
Detroit Lions
Update:
The Spokane native and University High graduate spent a chunk of his second pro
season on injured reserve and therefore only played in six games, although he
started three of those. And because of an undisclosed injury, he was also
limited in the spring OTAs. Dahl finally appears to be on the mend, however,
and he’s played in both preseason games, starting in one.
53-man
chances: Probable. Dahl is a third-year pro and capable of playing every
position on the O-line at this point. There’s extreme value in that and even if
he’s not starting, his versatility will come in handy if the Lions’ front five
sustains any injuries.
Xavier
Cooper, New York Jets
Update:
After stints with the Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers, Cooper found a
new home with the Jets midway through the 2017 season and re-signed with them
in March. In eight games, he recorded 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks, filling in
admirably for Muhammad Wilkerson.
53-man
chances: Questionable. Even though his 2017 audition went well and even though
he’s played well this training camp, Cooper is still a bubble roster guy by
many accounts.
River
Cracraft, Denver Broncos
Update:
There may not be another former Cougar that WSU fans would like to see on a
roster more than Cracraft, who’s experienced his fair share of misery on a
football field, suffering a season-ending injury his senior year in Pullman and
then another just days after signing with the Broncos last season. Cracraft has
been a standout for the Broncos during training camp and when he played in
Denver’s preseason opener against the Vikings, it had been 637 days since his
last football game.
53-man
chances: Questionable. The Broncos typically keep six wide receivers and
Cracraft is right on the fence. He and Isaiah McKenzie are thought to be
competing for the last WR spot and McKenzie, despite some previous punt return
issues, helped himself out in a big way when he took a punt back for a
touchdown against Minnesota. But Cracraft is an adept punt returner, as well,
and is the more sure-handed receiver.
Destiny
Vaeao, Philadelphia Eagles
Update:
Vaeao spent part of his second NFL season on the injured reserve with a broken
wrist, suffered in the season opener, and wasn’t active for the Eagles’ playoff
games or the Super Bowl victory over New England. But a healthy Vaeao will be
much more than merely an active player in 2018 and some seem to think he could
start at defensive tackle in the season opener.
53-man
chances: Probable. Vaeao hasn’t recorded any stats through two preseason games,
but the fact that he’s shown up at the top of most depth charts leads us to
believe he’s a near-lock to make the roster.
Looking
for work
Marquess
Wilson – The former Cougar receiver was cut by the Philadelphia Eagles on July
24.
John
Fullington – Waived by the New Orleans Saints because of an injury, Fullington
it seems could return to the club when he recovers.
Dom
Williams – Williams got a Super Bowl ring from the Eagles, but they parted ways
with the receiver earlier this month.
Kache
Palacio – The Seahawks moved the linebacker around plenty last season,
re-signing him, then waiving him, then signing him to the practice squad,
promoting him to the active roster, waiving him again and re-signing him to the
practice squad once again.
::::
WSU
FOOTBALL
Washington
State nose tackle Jonathan “Pono” Lolohea leaves program for unspecified
reasons
UPDATED:
Sun., Aug. 19, 2018, 10:03 p.m.
By Theo
Lawson Spokesman-Review of Spokane
PULLMAN –
Jonathan “Pono” Lolohea, a junior college transfer who was competing for
Washington State’s starting nose tackle job, has left the Cougar football team
for unspecified reasons, The Spokesman-Review learned Sunday.
Following
a shortened practice in Pullman Sunday evening, WSU coach Mike Leach said he
hasn’t “seen (Lolohea)” or “heard from him” recently and couldn’t provide further
explanation as to why the defensive lineman had elected to leave.
“I don’t
know what he’s thinking or whatever,” Leach said. “It sounds like he’s going to
transfer and so I assume he is. He hadn’t been here so he’s pretty much off the
team anyway.”
Lolohea
wasn’t in attendance for the Cougars’ scrimmage Saturday afternoon and posted a
cryptic message from his Twitter account Sunday evening, writing “Sometimes you
gotta move forward without looking back.”
View image
on Twitter
View image
on Twitter
Jonathan
Pono Lolohea
@Pono_Lolohea
Sometimes you gotta move forward without
looking back
4:53 PM -
Aug 19, 2018
2 2 Replies
14 14 Retweets 79 79 likes
Twitter
Ads info and privacy
The 6-3,
295-pound defensive lineman also posted the following tweet on Friday: “The
dirt that’s been thrown on my name is false #TwoFace.”
Jonathan
Pono Lolohea
@Pono_Lolohea
The dirt that’s been thrown on my name is
false🤷🏽♂️
#TwoFace
4:46 PM -
Aug 17, 2018
5 5 Replies
1 1 Retweet 4 4 likes
Twitter
Ads info and privacy
“I thought
he was playing fine,” Leach said. “It was a little bit of a surprise that it
was him, but it would be a surprise if it wasn’t somebody, you know?”
A coveted
junior college prospect who’d initially committed to Kansas, Lolohea signed with
the Cougars in December as part of the early signing period and arrived on
campus in January in time to participate in spring camp. The Copiah-Lincoln
Community College (Miss.) transfer was a three-star prospect according to
ESPN.com, Rivals.com and 247Sports.com and chose the Cougars over Kansas,
Arizona, Boise State, Kansas State, Oregon State, Maryland and Colorado to name
a few. Per 247Sports.com, Lolohea had 23 total FBS offers coming out of junior
college.
Although
Comfort, a redshirt senior former walk-on, had been working primarily with the
first team defensive line, Lolohea had also spent time with the No. 1 unit and
had shown significant progress from when he arrived in the spring.
Lolohea
had also made a conscientious effort to transform his body over the summer and
cut unnecessary fat. He was listed at 300 pounds on the spring camp roster, but
came into fall camp at 295.
“I tried
to trim up as much as I could,” Lolohea said after WSU’s practice in Lewiston
on Aug. 8. “Try to be as nimble for a big guy. I kind of stayed the same
weight, just lost five pounds, but I lost six percent body fat during the
summer. So I went from 26 to 20.”
Lolohea
hails from the same town in Maui – Lahaina – as former WSU defensive tackle
Hercules Mata’afa, who wrapped up his college career last season as a consensus
All-American.
An
acquaintance of Mata’afa’s, Lolohea said the success of the three-time
All-Pac-12 pass-rusher helped influence his decision to play for the Cougars.
“It did,
it did,” Lolohea said. “And plus I wanted to be back on the West coast after
Mississippi, be closer to home for my family to come see me.”
The
Cougars’ defensive front has already been razor-thin this fall camp. Junior
defensive end Nnamdi Oguayo, a six-game starter last year, and junior rush
linebacker Derek Moore, a four-game starter, haven’t attended practice in more
than two weeks, although WSU coach Mike Leach said following an Aug. 10
scrimmage, “They’re doing exactly what we want them to and expect to see them
shortly.”
On either
side of Comfort, defensive tackle Nick Begg and defensive end Will Rodgers III
have been the Cougars’ other starting defensive linemen most of preseason camp.
It’s
unclear who will fill Lolohea’s void, but junior college transfer Misiona
Aiolupotea-Pei spent time working with the No. 2 defense at nose tackle during
Sunday’s practice.
“He’s been
playing pretty well,” Leach said of Aiolupotea-Pei. “The thing is figuring out
how to get Misi on the field because he’s done a lot of good things and he’s
been playing well and he’s a real strong, explosive guy.”
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