The Original Game » Damontae Kazee,?the 2015 conference defensive player

After stunning the tennis world with an impressive 2014 season that included a spot in the Wimbledon final and berths in the semifinals of the Australian Open and French Open, Eugenie Bouchard has become one of the most recognizable faces on the WTA Tour. Nike Zoom Pas Cher En Ligne . And while she has struggled to achieve the same levels of success in the two seasons since, she remains one of the most popular and talented players in the sport.Currently enjoying her all-too-brief offseason, we caught up with the 22-year-old Canadian recently at an event for Colgate Enamel Health in New York. With thoughts on everything from the Rio Olympics to upcoming vacation plans to her much-talked-about Halloween costume, Bouchard did not hold back.espnW: How is your offseason going so far?Eugenie Bouchard: Its going well! Its been two weeks, so far, that Im off completely. And by completely, I mean: I dont go to a gym, I dont look at a gym, I dont think about a gym. Its really important to me to just get a couple of weeks off, and not only physically, but mentally as well. Its a mental, refreshing break. Its about three weeks in total -- Ill get back to training next week. And once in awhile, Ill go on a run or join my friend or sister to a yoga class, but its for fun, and its not something I have to do.espnW: You must look forward to that all year.Bouchard: I do! Its like what we think about, especially as the year ends. I start to think How many more tournaments? Were all counting them down.espnW: Have you gone, or are you going on any vacations during your time off?Bouchard: Im planning on going to the Bahamas for a quick weekend getaway. I just want to have that feeling of being on vacation. Obviously, I got to spend some time with my family in Montreal and spent a week in New York City doing a bunch of meetings, appearances, cool events, things like that, but theres nothing quite like lying on the beach all day, having a margarita.espnW: When you do return to working out, what do your offseason workouts entail?Bouchard: Right at the beginning of the preseason training, Ill do mostly fitness for the first week or two. Nowadays fitness is so important to us tennis players, and we just spend so much more time in the gym than the old guys used to back in the day.Its actually kind of fun to be working out and getting stronger when you dont quite have the repetitiveness of practicing so much. Ill start with that and do a couple hours of fitness a day, and the offseason is a cool time to experiment and try different things, so I like to sometimes switch it up and do a hike up a mountain or a pool workout. Its important for your mind to mix it up.espnW: Is there any specific music you like to listen to for motivation during a workout?Bouchard: During a workout, I really like hip-hop or house or something that just gets you going, because it does motivate you, and it does make a difference. When youre lifting weights that you never imagined you could lift, its because youre motivated and you have that adrenaline pumping. So if music can help just 1 percent with that, why not? I say just blast it! Im such a fan of Drake. Any of his upbeat songs work for me.espnW: What was the highlight of 2016 for you?Bouchard: The highlight would have to be going to the Olympics. It was so cool to have this this feeling of representing something bigger than yourself and representing your country. It was also great to have teammates -- thats not something were used to in tennis. There was such a sense of pride.The moment thats coming to mind is walking in during the opening ceremony. Knowing youre on TV and waving and knowing -- literally feeling -- your whole country watching and supporting you, it was such a surreal and amazing moment. It was definitely worth going to Rio.espnW: Did you get a chance to meet, or watch anyone compete, that you hadnt had the opportunity to before?Bouchard: I really tried to make an effort to go see some events. It was pretty hectic with tennis all day, and the venues are all far apart, but one night I was able to watch gymnastics. I was watching the qualifying rounds. I didnt get to see the Americans, who I really wanted to see, but I did get to see some of our Canadian girls. It was basically the whole Canadian team there cheering them on. When I think of the Olympics, I think of womens gymnastics. To me, thats what it is. Just to see it in person was amazing.espnW: Did it live up to what you had hoped it would be?Bouchard: Yes, definitely. What really stood out to me is that they compete at the same time on all their different exercises, and one crowd can start cheering for the girl on the beam, but the girl on the floor is still going! Its the craziest thing. We think we have to focus! They get their one shot every four years, and someone could just start screaming in the middle of their vault.I didnt know it all went on at the same time like that, and maybe just watching on TV I just didnt realize it so much, but in person its insane. Without even realizing it, thats someones Olympics right there, all of five seconds. I just have so much respect for what these girls do.espnW: Did you get to go to any other events while you were there?Bouchard: I also went to swimming. I got to see Michael Phelps in a semifinal heat. Whats crazy about swimming is that there are so many races because they are so short. We were there for an hour or two and saw something like 10 races. But to see Phelps in person, and see his routine where he stretches his arms all around, and being in the presence of such a legend, was really cool. I also saw some final races as well, and just to witness the joy of swimmers who won medals and knowing their lives had totally changed in that instant was amazing.espnW: Speaking of celebrities, I have to ask about this. You went as Kim Kardashian for Halloween, how did that come to be?Bouchard: You should totally ask me about it! Its crazy because that idea just popped in my head, and I cant explain my brain and its mechanics. Obviously I just remembered that picture and thought it would be hilarious to not only impersonate her, but specifically in that moment, and I had my friend do it with me.The point of it was obviously to exaggerate it, so Im talking hand towels stuffed in these little nude, Spanx-type of shorts, and literally stuffed some of my Nike socks in my little bra thing, and then my friend painted the cardboard black, and we took tape, and that was it! It was actually a pretty simple costume. All of my friends were texting me saying it was hilarious and stuff. Its funny, I really dont know how I thought about it. It was such an iconic moment, so I thought we should recreate it.espnW: Did you go out in public wearing that outfit? Bouchard: Yeah, we definitely walked around and hung out with our friends a bit! It was easily the most popular costume and the most unique. Thats the thing for me -- I love Halloween, and I usually do two costumes a year. We start texting about it and planning for in August. Its all about not doing something other people have done or have been doing for years. Even last year, I was with my best friend and my cousin and we created and made our costumes of sexy Mario Cart characters. I was sexy Bowser, so instead of a big shell on my back, I had a shell bra on. I take Halloween very seriously and take pride in being unique.espnW: Did you hear from any of the Kardashians about the costume? Bouchard: No! No one has heard from Kim right now! But I would love to meet any of the Kardashians. Someday, right?espnW: Are you surprised when something like that gets so much attention, or is it more par for the course for you now? Bouchard: Im always surprised. For me, its not something you get used to. I still feel like a normal person, and I still see myself as a typical 22-year-old, and to me, thats just dressing up and showing my friends what Im wearing. And then suddenly there are hundreds of articles talking about it! I have to remember sometimes, I cant just post anything on social media. Its always a surprise, and its always funny too when my coach will hear about something, and hes not even on social media. Hell hear about something on the news, and Ill always just joke with him, Dont follow me on Snapchat, please!espnW: Has there ever been something you posted and then youve regretted it? Bouchard: No! I do pay attention to that stuff, so I know what not to post.espnW: Obviously thats probably a tricky part of being a celebrity. Is there an upside? Bouchard: There is. The most amazing part to me is being able to inspire a kid. Whenever a kid or a parent tells me Im someones role model, I take it as such an honor. Im like, Why? Pick someone better than me! [Laughing] But its really just so cool to be that person for someone. And it lets me do such amazing things, like visit hospitals and go to kids camps and helping get kids involved in sports. I love being able to inspire and give people hope.espnW: Whats the biggest downside of fame for you? Bouchard: I think its the negativity thats out there. These days, theres a lot of it out there, and not just toward me, but toward a lot of people. No one is perfect, first of all, and I think its just a bit unfair about all the criticism I and fellow athletes can get sometimes. Were trying our best, and the hate just seems so illogical -- it just doesnt make sense to me. Its frustrating, but I try not to let it get to me.espnW: What are your goals for 2017? Bouchard: To do better than 2016! My goal is to focus on things I havent been doing right and really focus on those specific things. I want to take it one step at a time and really improve in those areas. And then, I think if I get myself on the right path, the results will come. Instead of just stressing about the result, I want to focus on everything that gets me there. I used to put too much pressure on myself, and its really not fun and actually detrimental to your performance.espnW: I know you would like to win every Grand Slam you compete in, but is there one that you think would mean the most to you? Bouchard: For me, its Wimbledon. Its always been Wimbledon. I love grass, Ive had success there. I won the junior tournament, and two years later I was playing in the final of the main event. Its the most prestigious and has such history. But, yes, I would be very happy to win any of them.espnW: And finally, being Canadian, is there any advice you would give to Americans who are contemplating a move north right now? Bouchard: Well, if you want to marry me for Canadian citizenship, Im available! [Laughing] There are so many jokes about that right now, and Ive seen so many of my friends post on Facebook, Im Canadian, and Im single, guys! But as for advice ... Its really cold there, so Im not sure you really want to come. Thats my advice!I moved to Florida. I live in Miami. Be prepared for the Arctic, and buy a down jacket. Montreal is beautiful, and the summer is very hot, but its just so short! Its like two or three months of amazingness and eight months of pure torture. Nike Zoom Pas Cher Chine .C. at the helm of the top team in the Eastern Conference. His tenure as the GM in Vancouver was all too brief. Though he led the Canucks to what was then a franchise record-shattering campaign in just his second season, Nonis was gone and replaced one year later. Nike Zoom France .C. -- Rodney Hood connected from all over the court while freshman Jabari Parker was busy swatting shots and scoring in transition. http://www.nikezoompascher.fr/ . - Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie never doubted he would bring back coach Dennis Allen for a third year despite back-to-back 4-12 records. Since the college football offseason, we have ranked everything from the weakest position groups to the true freshmen who have made the biggest impacts. This week, using the ESPN College Football Power Rankings as our guide, we answer this question: What are the top position groups for each of the Top 25 teams?1.?Alabama Crimson Tide Just like it did the past season, the Tide front seven has a way of getting in quarterbacks faces. Alabama currently is tied for the No. 1 spot in the FBS in disrupted dropbacks, a stat that combines sacks, interceptions, batted passes and passes defended. -- Alex Scarborough2. Ohio State BuckeyesSo much for needing time to develop the youngsters in the secondary after losing three starters to the NFL draft. The Buckeyes are more than OK in the back end -- their group of defensive backs might be the best in the country already. Malik Hooker and Marshon Lattimore have combined for six interceptions and a pair of touchdowns through the first three starts of their careers against opponents that all ranked in the top 20 nationally in total offense a year ago. Just think what they might be capable of with a little experience. -- Austin Ward3.?Louisville CardinalsThis is a slam-dunk choice with Lamar Jackson running college football right now. Jackson has 18 touchdowns in three games ... and has yet to play a full four quarters in any of them. He is the best player on the team, and he simply elevates the quarterback position to a level that coach Bobby Petrino has not had in his previous two seasons. -- Andrea Adelson4. Houston Cougars As good as quarterback Greg Ward Jr. has been, the Cougars front seven has been even better. The unit has held opponents to a meager 1.46 yards per rush, second nationally to Florida. Theyve been among the best at pressuring quarterbacks, as the linebackers and defensive linemen have combined for 11 sacks, which is tied for 11th in the country. --?Sam Khan Jr.5.?Clemson Tigers How many teams could lose their No. 1 receiver in Game 1, then lose his replacement before the Orange Bowl and not miss a beat? Thats the depth of Clemsons receiving corps, which has both Mike Williams and Deon Cain back in the fold for 2016. Add Artavis Scott, Hunter Renfrow, Ray-Ray McCloud and tight end Jordan Leggett to the mix, and Deshaun Watsons biggest concern in the passing game might be finding enough balls to go around. --?David M. Hale6. Stanford Cardinal How many positions does Christian McCaffrey play? Obviously, hes the centerpiece of the offense. But new quarterback Ryan Burns has done a fine job playing within the system and doing everything the coaches ask him to do. Hes completing 68.8 percent of his throws (22-of-32) with two touchdowns and an interception. -- Kevin Gemmell7. Michigan WolverinesThe Wolverines have blocked or otherwise affected six kicks in their past two games, including a stop-the-bleeding punt block for a touchdown in the first quarter against Colorado. Yes, Kenny Allen has missed a couple field goals, but Jabrill Peppers nation-leading 57.7 punt return yards per game more than makes up for those. -- Dan Murphy8. Michigan State SpartansIts no surprise that Michigan States linebackers, the teams deepest and most athletic group, have carried more than their weight through two games. Jon Reschke and Andrew Dowell have both made momentum-flipping interceptions, and senior captain Riley Bullough has been solid as a traffic director in the middle. The rich will get richer as sixth-year senior Ed Davis slowly works his way back into this rotation in the coming weeks. -- Murphy9. Washington Huskies Its tough to pick just one when youre averaging 49.3 points per game on offense and allowing just 10 on defense. But its tough to ignore the contributions of the wide receivers. John Ross and Chico McClatcher have four touchdowns each, and the top four receivers (including tight end Darrell Daniels and receiver Dante Pettis) already have 39 catches for 11 touchdowns among them. -- Gemmell10.?Texas A&M AggiesThe defensive line, by far, has been the Aggies best unit so far. The Aggies have nine sacks against Power 5 competition (best in the SEC) and are allowing only 3.84 yards per rush against Power 5 opponents, an improvement of more than a yard per rush compared to 2015 (5.05). -- Khan11. Wisconsin Badgers Most assumed the Badgers linebackers would lead the defense, but theyve been perhaps even better in the face of adversity. Wisconsin lost inside linebacker Chris Orr to a season-ending ACL injury on the first drive of the season. Backup Ryan Connelly replaced him against LSU with no drop-off. This came after last years leading tackler, T.J. Edwards, sat out the opener because of a foot injury. Edwards recorded 11 tackles last week and is now back to full strength. With Jack Cichy (17 total tackles), T.J. Watt (12 tackles) and Vince Biegel (eight tackles), the group remains formidable. -- Jesse Temple12. Florida State SeminolesThis isnt an ideal time to single out a top group for Florida State, after the entire team failed to show up for Louisville. Backup running back Jacques Patrick continued to emerge against the Cardinals, however, solidifying a position that already includes star Dalvin Cook. Although the junior Heisman hopeful is struggling to start the season behind a shaky offensive line, coach Jimbo Fisher said he thought Cook played well against the Cardinals, despite averaging 3.4 yards per carry. Fisher is adamant that Cook is healthy, and if thats the case, he figures to return to form at some point. -- Jared Shanker13. Tennessee Volunteerss Vol fans would like to see a little more Alvin Kamara in the mix, but nonetheless, the running game continues to be their strength, fueled by feature back Jalen Hurd, who has racked up 270 yards and two touchdowns rushing in three games. Chaussure Nike Zoom Pas Cher. -- Scarborough14. Arkansas Razorbacks You could go several different directions here, but Austin Allen has been pretty good at quarterback so far. In the Razorbacks best win so far -- an overtime road win at TCU -- Allen threw three touchdown passes and no interceptions and ran for the game-winning score. Hes completing 67.1 percent of his passes, with seven touchdowns and two interceptions. Hes averaging 8.29 yards per pass attempt, third in the SEC so far. -- Khan15. Georgia Bulldogs Running back is not an especially original answer here, but it seems like the correct one for Georgia. Nick Chubb has not broken the 100-yard plateau in either of the past two games, but he reminded everyone that he could with 222 yards and two touchdowns against North Carolina in the opener. Sony Michel is back from an offseason arm injury, which gives the Bulldogs one of the most dangerous tailback combinations in the conference. -- David Ching16. Miami Hurricanes Miami ranks 12th in the nation in rushing, and Mark Walton and Joe Yearby are a huge reason for that. The two are the only running back duo to rank among the top 10 rushers in the ACC: Walton is second (133.7 points per game), and Yearby is seventh (85.3). Both are averaging more than 7 yards per carry, and so is bruising back Gus Edwards. -- Adelson17. LSU TigersThe running back pairing of Leonard Fournette and Derrius Guice is lethal, but lets focus on another position group. LSUs defensive line has been outstanding, playing a key role in opponents having averaged just 2.9 yards per rushing attempt. Led by Arden Key and his SEC-high five sacks, the line has improved its sack production each week. Their six sacks in last weeks win over Mississippi State halted multiple drives, and Keys brutal fourth-down hit on Damian Williams ended the Bulldogs late comeback bid. -- Ching18. Florida GatorsIn the past two games, opposing teams have completed a total of nine passes against Floridas defense. Compare that to the four passes hauled in for interceptions by Gator defensive backs. Yeah, this group is pretty good. The star is cornerback Jalen Teez Tabor, a potential first-round draft pick, but theres also Quincy Wilson, Marcus Maye, Marcell Harris and Duke Dawson. Even freshmen Chauncey Gardner and Jeawon Taylor have made an impact. -- Greg Ostendorf19. Nebraska CornhuskersThe improvement was already hard to ignore, thanks to the ball-hawking in the Huskers secondary that had produced seven interceptions, but the end of an NCAA-record streak for Oregons prolific offense hammered home the point. Oregon had gone 82 consecutive games with a touchdown pass, but Nebraska shut down the airways in a huge nonconference win over the Ducks. Through three weeks, the Huskers are allowing just 193 yards per game -- an improvement of nearly 100 yards from a season ago -- and the unit has helped the program emerge as a contender in the Big Ten West. -- Ward20.?Baylor Bears The Bears lost returning 1,000-yard rusher Johnny Jefferson for the season and havent missed a beat with their a talented trio of running backs. Shock Linwood broke Baylors career rushing record last week, and hes No. 3 on the team in rushing, with 213 yards, behind JaMycal Hasty (237 yards) and Terence Williams (232). Hasty, a redshirt freshman, is getting 8.5 yards per carry. Baylor will ride all three in Big 12 play because any of them can bust a big run and change a game. -- Max Olson21. Texas Longhorns Although true freshman QB Shane Buechele has gotten the attention, the 1-2 punch of DOnta Foreman and Chris Warren III has been the biggest force in Texas offensive resurgence. Nicknamed the Smash Brothers, Foreman and Warren are first and second in the Big 12 in rushing through the first three weeks of the season. -- Jake Trotter22. UCLA BruinsThe Bruins veteran secondary has been mostly solid through the first three weeks. Opposing quarterbacks are completing just 53.3 percent of their throws, and the secondary has already hauled in four interceptions, tied for second in the conference. -- Gemmell23. Ole Miss Rebels Laquon Treadwell might be gone, but believe it or not, the Ole Miss wide receivers and tight ends are better this season than they were a year ago. You have to include the tight ends because Evan Engram is the teams leading receiver, with 20 receptions for 302 yards and two touchdowns through the first three games. Engram aside, the Rebels have six other receivers who have already caught a touchdown this season. -- Ostendorf24. San Diego State AztecsThe Aztecs secondary was put to the test against the Bear Raid when San Diego State topped Cal in Week 2. Opposing quarterbacks are completing just 51.2 percent of their passes, and the Aztecs have already nabbed a Mountain West-best six interceptions. Damontae Kazee,?the 2015 conference defensive player of the year, stands out with five passes defended and two interceptions. -- Gemmell25. Utah UtesThey call it Sack Lake City for a reason. Headlined by Hunter Dimick, who has three sacks in the first three games, the Utes defensive line is making life difficult for opposing quarterbacks. As a team, the Utes lead the Pac-12 with 15 total and are ranked second nationally. -- Gemmell Wholesale China Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys Wholesale Authentic Jerseys Nike NFL Jerseys China Wholesale Nike Basketball Jerseys Hockey Jerseys China Supply Baseball Jerseys Football Jerseys Sale Authentic College Jerseys MLB Jerseys China Stitched Soccer Jerseys Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap Nike Jerseys ' ' '