Alabama News

Depth is a luxury in college football.

That’s especially true at a position like corner, a group Auburn added to in the offseason despite returning its two starters. The Tigers did suffer attrition behind those two starters, though, and Hugh Freeze responded by signing two more starting caliber corners out of the transfer portal.

The sudden stockpile of talent at the position makes cornerback arguably the most intriguing position battle to watch during fall camp. Four players — and potentially more — have a realistic chance at winning the two starting jobs on the boundary, and all four seem capable of helping Auburn’s pass defense.

“You can’t have enough corners in this league,” Freeze said at an AMBUSH event prior to SEC Media Days. “I don’t think there’s any better motivator for a coach than competition, period.”

With that competition in mind, here’s a closer a look at Auburn’s cornerback room going into the 2025 season.

Players

*Kayin Lee — Junior

Raion Strader — Junior, Miami (OH) transfer

Rayshawn Pleasant — Junior, Tulane transfer

*Jay Crawford — Sophomore

Blake Woodby — Freshman

Donovan Starr — Freshman

Devin Williams — Freshman

What to know

After a solid year manning the boundaries in 2024, Lee and Crawford return for another season in 2025 as the early favorites to win the two starting jobs.

It was both players’ first year starting, with Crawford turning in one of the best seasons by a freshman corner in the country. He had the fourth-highest coverage grade among freshman corners with 100 or more snaps last season, according to Pro Football Focus.

Crawford didn’t become a regular starter until Auburn’s Week 5 loss against Oklahoma, but became one of the most consistent players on the defense once he was in the lineup. Despite Auburn adding two starting caliber corners out of the portal, Crawford’s success in 2024 makes him a favorite to win one of the starting jobs going into camp.

You can make the same argument for Lee, who was Crawford’s roommate during the 2024 season and started 10 games for the Tigers last year. He had similar success to Crawford, with 32 tackles, seven pass breakups and two interceptions, along with a passer rating allowed of 58, according to PFF.

Going into his third full season with the program, he has more experience than anyone else in the room, giving him a chance to step into a leadership role in 2025. With Pleasant and Strader behind him, maintaining the starting job won’t be easy, but last season proved that he’s capable.

Pleasant and Strader are the two wildcards in the room and make the competition worth following during camp. Both players transferred from Group of Five programs, but both impressed at their former schools.

Strader was the 2024 MAC cornerback of the year, totaling 57 tackles with 17 pass deflections and two interceptions last season. He transferred during the winter window and participated in spring practice with Auburn, but repped mainly with the second team.

Pleasant was a starter for Tulane in 2024, totaling 35 tackles, three pass deflections, one interception and one touchdown last year, and affected the game in multiple ways. He was named a Walter Camp preseason All-American as a kick returner after taking two kicks back for touchdowns last season and averaging 34.5 yards per return.

“No question Pleasant brings some length and quick twitch, as does Strader,” Freeze said.

The three freshmen behind those four all have promise, but Williams is expected to miss the 2025 season after suffering an ACL injury during spring practice.

Woodby and Starr, though, are both players Freeze seemed to be optimistic about when talking about the corners before SEC Media Days. Neither player spent much time with the first team during spring practice, but both were blue-chip recruits out of high school.

Woodby was one of the freshman standouts during the spring and is part of the growing pipeline between Auburn and St. Frances Academy in Maryland.

While neither player seems like a realistic candidate for a starting job now, things can always change during the season. Crawford was buried on the depth chart going into last season, but injuries and inconsistent play ahead of him created an opportunity, and he took advantage of it.

Peter Rauterkus covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @peter_rauterkus or email him at [email protected]m

JPMorgan Chase and Co. CEO Jamie Dimon visited Birmingham Monday, as he and company executives make their way through five Southern states.

The trip takes them to different Chase locations to see the operation up close, and Dimon said it’s integral to his management style.

As part of the trip, he sat down for a short interview, giving his views on management, business and the future of America.

Related: Why the CEO of the world’s largest bank is in Alabama

This interview has been edited for length.

What have you seen on your tour?

America is not quite that divided. You go to all these places, you know, racially not that divided, economically not that divided, economically, Democrat-Republican, not fighting all the time like you see on TV. They’re kind of trying to make life better for the people here, whether it’s infrastructure, schools, etc. etc. Whenever I travel, I pretty much see that.

If you look at America, like Warren Buffett said, “Don’t bet against it.” Basically, what he’s talking about it is always ends up kind of doing the right thing, it’s always innovating, it’s always growing, it’s always expanding, and it’s not this flip-flop back and forth you get from major media. So if you say, are you going to make a major investment in America, I say absolutely. That would be true almost every place.

What do tours like this do for you?

I believe if you’re going to be a good CEO, a good leader, you have to get out. You go to a lot of corporations, and they’re too busy to do that. “I don’t have time for that.” … I think they make a huge mistake because you learn through every single trip. Hanging out with branch managers. You hear one or two really good questions, and they’ll follow up on them. We take notes…You get customers, you get governments, and you get local press, which tells the story, whether or not we like it exactly. … We have fun, which I think it part of life too. When we get the tellers or loan officers and branch managers on the bus, we give them beer and immunity…

But we want them to speak up. Literally, you could not offend me by saying, why did you do this? Sometimes when I’m with senior management, they’re offended. Like they’re twisting in their chairs. I watch them. But I’m saying, “Your people are telling you what we can do better. That’s a gift.” I have a chance to be better. When people complain, I also say, different from other people, not whether they were right or they were wrong, were they partially right?

What’s the secret to longevity in what you do?

Personally? I love what I do, I try to take care of myself as best I can. On these trips, we leave a little bit of room for exercise in the morning. But it’s basic stuff. Take care of yourself. It’s your job to take care of yourself – your mind, your body, your spirit, your friends, your soul, your family, and if you don’t, you won’t have longevity. As a company, we can help you as best we can, with flexibility, if you have a drug problem, we’ll help you. But you have to do what’s best for yourself.

What would you like to see happen in America?

(In my letter to the company this year) I made a long list of things – I took some grievances, which I think there are lot of legitimate grievances. I think the only way you take them on is acknowledge them. There’s immigration and regulation and certain taxation. Education, income inequality. If we don’t acknowledge these things, you can’t fix them. Then once you acknowledge them, forget Democrat-Republican. What fixes them? People always assume it’s going to be one thing or the other. I don’t assume that. There’s positive works everywhere, education, infrastructure, even health care. We may take a few policy positions on healthcare this year. Who owns the data? Why don’t people publish their prices? Some very basic stuff that might push the system on the way to improvement.

The transport driver who is accused of accidentally leaving a foster child inside her hot, locked vehicle called the family to tearfully apologize and try to explain what led to the 3-year-old boy’s death.

The woman, who worked for The Covenant Services but has since been fired, made the call to the father of Ketorrius Starkes Jr., family attorney Courtney French confirmed.

The brand new four-part docuseries Running with the Wolves hits ESPN with a two-part premiere Tuesday, July 29 beginning at 7/6c.

Those looking to check out the new sports-heavy docuseries can stream the premiere live through Fubo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) or Sling (50% off first month).

What is Running with the Wolves about?

The new series follow daytime television icons Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa as they dive headfirst into the high stakes world of Italian football.

According to an ESPN press relation, Running with the Wolves “chronicles the couple’s bold journey as owners of Campobasso FC, a gritty Serie C soccer club.”

Since taking the reins in 2022, Consuelos and Ripa have helped breathe new life into the once-struggling team and reignited passion among the club’s loyal fanbase.

Now, as the Wolves enter the 2025 campaign, the stakes have never been higher. Injuries affect the team as a relentless head coach pushes players to the brink, while Consuelos and Ripa feel the pressure of the fan’s demands.

Through it all, viewers get an unprecedented look at how Consuelos and Ripa balance the pressures of ownership, family life, their careers and the dream of leading Campobasso FC to glory.

Episode schedule

The four-part docuseries will be divided into chunks as both parts one and two are set to release back-to-back Tuesday, July 29 with parts three and four following soon after on Thursday, July 31.

How to watch Running with the Wolves

Cord cutters interested in checking out the four-part docuseries can stream the premiere live through Fubo, DirecTV or Sling.

Both Fubo and DirecTV offer free trials to new subscribers while Sling offers its new subscribers half off their first month.

What is Fubo?

Although primarily known as one of the most popular sports-focused streaming platforms, Fubo offers its subscribers much more than just sports related content. Fubo users can access over 100 live TV channels through its base package for just $84.99 a month following its free trial.

Some of the most popular channels available for streaming through Fubo include ESPN, ABC, CBS, NBC, TLC, MTV and more.

Subscribers can also enjoy a plethora of on-demand content in the form of hit TV shows and blockbuster movies and gain access to useful features such as the unlimited DVR feature.

What is DirecTV?

DirecTV is a top streaming service perfect for those looking to access a plethora of live TV channels and enjoy helpful features. The base package starts at just $86.99 a month after its 5-day free trial and includes popular TV channels such as HGTV, ESPN, Bravo, CMT, CNBC, BET, CNN and more.

DirecTV has also recently introduced a lineup of genre packs, which allows subscribers to choose their favorite viewing options based on what genre they watch the most. With genre packs, users can get the channels and content they want without filler channel overload. Packs start at just $34.99 a month.

Those interested in comparing all DirecTV’s channel packages and the new genre packs can check them out here.

What is Sling?

Sling is another streaming service to consider if you want to access top-rated TV channels like ESPN. Though no free trial is available to new subscribers, those who commit to a paid plan get half off the first month.

Both the Sling Orange plan and the Sling Blue plan are normally $45.99 a month, but with the current promotion, Sling users will pay just $23 a month for the first month.

For those who wish to access channels from both the Sling Blue and Sling Orange plans can do so by signing up for the Orange + Blue plan, which combines the best of both plans for just $60.99 a month ($30.50 for the first month).

Stanley just surprised dropped a bold new drinkware collection in collaboration with Premier League giant Arsenal, and it’s already turning heads.

Featuring the club’s signature red and white colors, the limited-edition Stanley 1913 x Arsenal Collection includes fan-favorite Quencher tumblers and classic bottles reimagined for Arsenal supporters around the globe.

All products included in the Stanley 1913 x Arsenal Collection are as follows:

• Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler, 40oz – $55 (Arsenal‑red, leakproof lid, double‑wall insulation)
• Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler, 20oz – $35 (compact version, travel‑friendly arena hydration)
• IceFlow Bottle with Fast Flow Lid, 24oz – $40 (lightweight bottle with carry handle, fast‑flow opening)
• Stacking Tumbler, 16oz – $25 (stackable design for beer, coffee or daily use)

RELATED: The new Messi x Stanley 1913 Collection is blue, gold and going fast

Each item in the Stanley 1913 x Arsenal Collection is decked out in Arsenal red and features the club’s iconic cannon logo alongside Stanley 1913 branding. Meanwhile, the popular Quencher ProTour tumblers are equipped with Stanley’s upgraded FlowState lid, which flips open for easy sipping and seals tightly to prevent leaks.

As always, all products in this new Stanley collection are made with 18/8 recycled stainless steel, double-wall vacuum insulation, BPA-free materials and dishwasher-safe construction to ensure each tumbler will last for years to come.

“The Stanley 1913 iconic design now in Arsenal Red with the cannon on one side and Stanley 1913 logo on the other. A crucial part of your game day line-up whether you are watching from the sofa, or pitch side getting stuck in!” Stanley states.

Those interested in the new Stanley 1913 x Arsenal Collection can checkout the full rundown on Stanley’s website here.

The reality sports series Mud Madness returns to the Discovery Channel with its season two premiere Tuesday, July 29 at 8/7c.

Those looking to catch the highly anticipated return of Mud Madness can stream the season two premiere through Philo (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) or Sling (50% off first month).

What is Mud Madness?

For those who missed the show’s debut season last year, Mud Madness showcases camera footage of the extreme world of Big-Tire UTV mud racing, including custom vehicle builds, challenging courses, deep-rooted rivalries, intense action and a wild social party scene.

The season two premiere episode opens the season with 10 drivers facing off in eight thrilling races for $100,000 in prizes at the inaugural Mud Cup Invitational. During the event, AJ’s SXS debut impresses the crowd, and Bryce fights for first place against a truck driver in a hill climb.

How to watch Mud Madness season 2 without cable

Cord cutters hoping to stream the premiere of Mud Madness season two live can find it available through Philo, DirecTV and Sling.

Both Philo and DirecTV offer free trials for new subscribers to enjoy before committing to a paid plan while Sling offers those that commit to a paid subscription half off their first month.

Out of the three streaming services listed above, Philo is the cheapest at just $28 a month after its 7-day free trial concludes.

What is Philo?

Philo is considered one of the most affordable streaming platforms on the market. Known as an entertainment-focused streaming service, Philo offers its subscribers access to over 70 top-rated TV channels such as TLC, MTV, BET, AMC, CMT, Investigation Discovery and more.

New users can enjoy Philo’s 7-day free trial and continue to stream top channels, hit TV shows and movies on-demand for just $28 a month once the free trial expires.

Those looking to customize their flow of content even further on Philo can consider including add-ons such as MGM+, STARZ, and AMC+ in their subscription.

What is DirecTV?

DirecTV is a top streaming service perfect for those looking to access a plethora of live TV channels and enjoy helpful features. The base package starts at just $86.99 a month after its 5-day free trial and includes popular TV channels such as HGTV, ESPN, Bravo, CMT, CNBC, BET, CNN and more.

DirecTV has also recently introduced a lineup of genre packs, which allows subscribers to choose their favorite viewing options based on what genre they watch the most. With genre packs, users can get the channels and content they want without filler channel overload. Packs start at just $34.99 a month.

Those interested in comparing all DirecTV’s channel packages and the new genre packs can check them out here.

What is Sling?

Sling is another streaming service to consider if you want to access top-rated TV channels like the Discovery Channel. Though no free trial is available to new subscribers, those who commit to a paid plan get half off the first month.

Both the Sling Orange plan and the Sling Blue plan are normally $45.99 a month, but with the current promotion, Sling users will pay just $23 a month for the first month.

For those who wish to access channels from both the Sling Blue and Sling Orange plans can do so by signing up for the Orange + Blue plan, which combines the best of both plans for just $60.99 a month ($30.50 for the first month).

Even though guard Tyler Booker played at Alabama, today’s preeminent provider of NFL talent, he’s found there still is a lot to learn as a rookie offensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys.

“You’re doing algebra in a fistfight,” Booker said on Monday. “You got to know who’s going where, where they’re coming from, this, that and the third. And we had a fair share of blitzes in the SEC, but it’s at a different speed. It’s at a different level on this level. So my experience has definitely helped me, but I still just have to make sure that I’m doing everything in my power to be able to pick it up on this level as well. …

“I’m learning everything about the game of football right now. Like, you got to approach every day, every level with a white-belt mentality. And that means that, like, you’re at the lowest level. You have to understand that there’s so much more for you to learn. And, like, I feel like no matter if I’m in Year 1 or, Lord willing, Year 10, I’m always going to have that mentality because there’s always so much more to learn.”

The Dallas defensive front is giving Booker a crash course in NFL football at the Cowboys’ training camp.

“We’ve got a lot of experienced guys over there,” Booker said. “A lot of experience, a lot of talent, a lot of quickness — things that are going to get me better, things that I haven’t really seen too much of at the college level. It’s actually funny like the way I explain it to my college teammates, like I was talking to (Alabama offensive tackle) Kadyn Proctor a couple days ago. I’ll be like, ‘You remember how we played? We had that one or two good, really, really good guys every year. That’s every down in the NFL.’”

The Cowboys used the 12th pick in the NFL Draft on April 24 to obtain Booker after seven-time first-team All-Pro Zack Martin retired. But on Saturday, free-agent signee Rob Jones handled Martin’s old right-guard spot with the first-team offense for Dallas.

“Rob Jones has been doing some really, really good things,” Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said before practice on Sunday. “Tyler’s kind of hitting that mark where it was like a little bit like, ‘Whoa, OK.’ You know, doing some good things, but doing some things that weren’t to the standard, so what do you do? You make a change. Is it permanent? I don’t know. I think Tyler’s going to be back out there again today with the Ones. But you can’t stand up here and have the central theme of your program be compete every day and if a guy’s performing well, not reward him.”

Booker said he didn’t expect the journey from the draft to his first NFL game to be without setbacks.

“There’s going to be struggles,” Booker said. “Like, I knew there was going to be struggles coming into this year. Like, I’m a rookie. I’m going up against guys who are in Year 5 and 6, and it’s my first training camp, so I knew there were going to be struggles, and then just taking it one day at a time, one play at a time, one rep at a time.

“Like, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and I know that there’s a lot more that I have to improve on in order to be seen as a contributor on this team, so I knew the struggles would come, but I’m prepared to handle any adversity that comes my way.”

As Schottenheimer said, Booker did return to the first-team offense on Sunday, and the competition with Jones ended that day, too. A 17-game starter for the Miami Dolphins last season, Jones sustained a neck injury, and reports indicate he could be out of action for the next three months.

“That’s my big brother,” Booker said. “That was my goal coming into the league, like, find a good vet who’s going to be able to help me along the way. Like I had two good vets at Alabama in Javion Cohen and Emil Ekiyor. Those are still my big brothers to this day. I talk to them all the time, so Rob has really stepped up for that role with me.”

The Cowboys practiced in pads for the first time on Sunday.

“I’m very excited to put the pads back on,” Booker said. “You know, this past year was very different for me because since high school I’ve been used to having spring ball. Like whenever March and April rolls around, that’s when you’re putting the pads on again and then going home for the summer, so kind of missed that contact during that time. So I’m glad to be back, glad to be hitting. Most importantly, I’m glad to be a Cowboy.”

Dallas holds its training camp in Oxnard, California, where Monday’s high temperature was 68 degrees.

“I’m loving it so far,” Booker said about training camp. “I don’t know what I’m loving more — just being with my new team and new teammates or the weather because the past three years I was in Tuscaloosa, and that’s gets pretty hot out there. Before that I was in Bradenton, Florida, at IMG, so I’m really appreciating the weather right now.”

The Cowboys will kick off their three-game preseason schedule on Aug. 9 against the Los Angeles Rams. Dallas also plays the Baltimore Ravens on Aug. 16 and Atlanta Falcons on Aug. 22 before kicking off the NFL’s 2025 season on Sept. 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.