Chasing Dreams: The NFL Combine Training at D1 in Cool Springs

They say football is a game of inches, but for dozens of NFL hopefuls each year, their future in the sport can hinge on a hundredth of a second. At D1 Training in Cool Springs, athletes from across the country are working tirelessly to shrink those margins in the lead-up to the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Importance of Speed

“If you can run a fast 40, they’re willing to draft you,” shares Clif Marshall, D1’s senior director of pro athlete training. This statement highlights the critical importance of speed in professional football, particularly exemplified by the 40-yard dash. The 40 is one of six essential drills that prospective players must perform well at either the NFL Combine or their college pro day. The other drills include the bench press, vertical jump, broad jump, three-cone drill, and 20-yard shuttle.

The stress of these drills is palpable, and to prepare, D1’s revived combine training program has more than 20 hand-picked athletes honing their skills from late January through early March. These months are often referred to as the “underwear Olympics,” where athletes complete measurements and drills in minimal clothing to showcase their physical capabilities to NFL scouts and executives.

Inside the Training Regimen

“What you’ve got to look at first and foremost is the NFL Combine is a track meet; it’s not a football workout,” explains Marshall. He emphasizes the distinction between performing athletic drills and showcasing actual football skills. Post-drill, these athletes usually undergo position-specific workouts and mental tests. However, the six initial measurements tend to dictate their draft stock significantly.

Marshall emphasizes the importance of mental strength alongside physical prowess. “Is he an everyday guy? Can he show up, week six here at D1 Sports, and be just as focused and excited as he was on day one? It’s an athletic boot camp,” he notes. This mental toughness, combined with the ability to grasp football concepts quickly, often separates those who make it to the next level.

The Role of Football IQ

One fascinating aspect of training includes testing players’ football IQ. Athletes undergo mock interviews and are asked to draw complex formations and plays on a dry-erase board. “The guys that are really good on the board will have a chance to stick around because they’re not just great athletes; they’re great football players too,” Marshall elaborates.

Among the group involved in D1’s program this year are alums from Williamson County Schools, further emphasizing the local talent emerging from this area.

Spotlight on Local Talent

Highlighted in this training program are three standout athletes from Williamson County: Daniel Rickert, Tim Coutras, and Keaten Wade. Rickert and Coutras both shared the field at Nolensville High School before excelling at Tennessee Tech. Remarkably, they earned all-conference honors during their collegiate careers. Rickert transferred to Virginia, where he made a substantial impact, compiling 6.5 sacks and 8 tackles for loss.

“We have a lot of pride for where we went to high school,” Rickert told the Williamson Scene. “It’d be an awesome honor [to represent the school in the NFL].” Coutras echoes Rickert’s sentiment, expressing the nostalgic importance of their high school roots: “You always remember where you came from.”

The Wades: A Family Legacy

Another prominent player in the mix is Summit High School alum Keaten Wade, who ended his career at Colorado with impressive stats. He also shares a family legacy in football, as his twin brother Destin was the starting quarterback for North Alabama. “It’s a blessing to be able to train here in WillCo and represent your hometown,” Keaten states.

Furthermore, the connections within this local group are deep. Theron Gaines, a former teammate of Coutras and Rickert at Tennessee Tech, also made waves in the local scene, securing two state championships with Oakland.

The Nashville Talent Pipeline

According to Clif Marshall, the Nashville area is rich in football talent. “There are so many high-level football players in the Nashville area,” he explains, emphasizing the depth of potential in not just Cool Springs, but also in Knoxville and Chattanooga.

As this burgeoning talent continues to emerge, the D1 Training combine program’s prominence is likely to rise. With increasing visibility, there’s a growing chance that top NFL prospects will choose to hone their skills in Williamson County rather than heading to training hotspots in Arizona and Florida. The future looks bright for D1 and the athletes it trains; as the NFL Draft approaches, eyes are certainly on Cool Springs.