As several NFL training camps begin this week, the Carolina Panthers are set to welcome their rookies to Charlotte next week. Players are taking advantage of their time off before the season ramps up.
Patrick Jones, a linebacker who grew up in Chesapeake and played four seasons for the Vikings, is enjoying some fishing time. Meanwhile, rookie wide receiver Teteroia McMillan is eager to start training and prove why he was the Panthers’ top draft pick.
Veteran free agents like Cornell Powell are hoping to secure a spot on a team for training camp. Powell, who played in the UFL this spring and led the league in scoring and touchdowns, is optimistic about translating his performance into another NFL opportunity. Last year, he played for the Chiefs and Seahawks and is hoping for another strong preseason.
Former Havelock star Kendal Vickers, a defensive lineman who just turned 30, is waiting for a call from a team. Acknowledging that he is closer to the end of his career, Vickers is enjoying his time at home until an opportunity arises.
In other sports news, former DH Conley and ECU star Dixon Williams was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the fourth round of the MLB draft. Williams, a senior infielder, hit .299 and led the Pirates in 10 offensive categories, including 14 home runs and 51 RBIs. He now has the chance to join the Braves’ minor league system.
The Down East Bird Dawgs are taking a four-day break as part of the Frontier League All-Star break. Currently in third place in the Atlantic Division with a 25-30 record, the Dawgs will return to action on Friday in Quebec. They will not play at Grainger Stadium again until July 29.
Former ECU star Connor Norby is on the 10-day injured list due to right wrist inflammation. Norby, who started the season on the injured list, is hitting .241 with six home runs, 26 RBIs, 33 runs scored, and seven stolen bases.
On the racetrack, Shane van Gisbergen made history in Sonoma by winning his third Cup Series race from the pole in a single season, a feat last achieved by Jimmie Johnson in 2008. Van Gisbergen has four wins in 34 starts, with all three victories this season occurring in June and July. He currently sits at number three in the playoff standings. NASCAR heads to Dover, Delaware, next week.