Georgia
Scott Cochran – Special Teams Coordinator – Football Support Staff – University of Georgia Athletics
Scott Cochran was named Special Teams Coordinator in February, 2020, after serving 13 years as head strength and conditioning coach at Alabama.
In his first year as an on-field coach, Cochran was part of a staff that led Georgia to its fourth consecutive top-10 finish in the final CFP rankings and fourth straight New Year’s Six Bowl game (Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl victory). The 2020 senior class won 44 games—tied for most in school history. In 2020, his specialists included punter Jake Camarda, first-team All-American and SEC Special Teams Player of the Year, and placekicker Jack Podlesny, who kicked the game-winning field goal with three seconds left to win the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl game over Cincinnati. Georgia special teams finished the season ranked first in the SEC and 5th nationally in kickoff returns (29.7 ypr) and first in the SEC in kickoff coverage (41.8 net).
A two-time National Strength Coach of the Year, Cochran was on the staff of six national championship teams – five at Alabama (2009, ’11, ’12, ’15, ’17) and one at LSU (2003). Nationally regarded as one of the best in the area of strength and conditioning, Cochran received one of the highest honors in his field when he was named the 2011 Samson Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Year, as featured in American Football Quarterly. He earlier was named the Samson Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Year following the 2008 season.
UGA head coach Kirby Smart and Cochran both began their careers at Alabama in 2007 and spent nine years together before Smart left to take his current position in Athens. While at Alabama, Cochran implemented an offseason workout plan before spring practice each year, which included the well-known “Fourth Quarter Program” to help players develop physically and prepare for upcoming practices.
On the way to the 2009 national championship, Alabama won the fourth quarter by an astounding scoring margin of 121-32. The Tide continued the trend of finishing in 2011, as it again dominated the fourth quarter en route to the program’s second national championship in three years with a 111-18 fourth-quarter scoring margin. A third title in four years proved strong in the fourth quarter as well posting a 118-47 advantage. The 2015 team won the fourth quarter 138-80 while the 2017 title team boasted 97-47 advantage.
Cochran joined the Alabama staff in 2007 after spending three seasons with the New Orleans Hornets of the NBA as an assistant strength coach. While with the Hornets from 2004-06, Cochran’s duties included assisting with the exercise and strength conditioning programs to help players achieve and maintain optimal fitness throughout the NBA season. With the Hornets, he worked with NBA standouts Chris Paul, Baron Davis, David West and Tyson Chandler.
Prior to joining the Hornets staff, Cochran worked for his alma mater at LSU as an assistant strength coach in 2003 (13-1, BCS national champions) and 2004 (9-3, Capital One Bowl). He was a graduate assistant in Baton Rouge, La., from 2001-03. Cochran returned to LSU after starting his career in the strength and conditioning field at University Laboratory High School in Baton Rouge. He held that position from 1998-2001 before returning to LSU as a graduate assistant for all sports from 2001-03. Cochran then was hired on to the full-time staff for the 2003-04 season.
A native of New Orleans, Cochran received a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from LSU in 2001 and added a master’s degree in Sports Management from LSU in 2003. Cochran was born on March 21, 1979, and is married to the former Cissy Schepens. They have three children, including one son Beau and two daughters, Savannah and Lucy.
Cochran Thumbnail
Birthdate: March 21, 1979
Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana
Family: Wife Cissy; son Beau; daughters Savannah, Lucy
High School: John Curtis Christian School
College: LSU ‘01 (Kinesiology); M.S. ‘03 (Sport Management)
Coaching Experience:
1998-2001……..University Laboratory School (Strength & Cond. Coach)
2001-03………………………………………………………LSU (Graduate Assistant)
2003-04…………………………………………………………LSU (Asst. S&C Coach)
2004-06……………………………….New Orleans Hornets (Asst. S&C Coach)
2007-19………………………………………………….Alabama (Head S&C Coach)
2020-Present……………………………………..Georgia (Special Teams Coord.)
Georgia
5 things to know about Georgia mosquito problem amid heat, drought
How climate change is expanding mosquito populations in Georgia
Fight mosquitoes in Augusta—remove standing water, cover containers, fill tree holes, fix septic cracks.
Mosquito numbers are rising fast in Augusta as heat and drought linger. Here are 5 things to know — and how to protect yourself now.
1. Drought can actually boost mosquito populations
Dry conditions don’t eliminate mosquitoes. Instead, they concentrate standing water in storm drains and pipes, creating ideal breeding grounds where larvae can thrive.
2. Standing water in urban systems drives mosquito growth
Without regular rainfall to flush them out, storm drains and catch basins hold stagnant water — a prime habitat for mosquito development.
3. Georgia’s climate supports a wide range of species
From mountains to coast to the Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia’s diverse environments allow dozens of mosquito species to thrive, with many found across the Augusta area and surrounding communities.
4. Only a few species pose major health risks
Of the many species present, a smaller group is linked to disease concerns, including the Southern house mosquito and Asian tiger mosquito.
5. Warming temperatures are shifting mosquito ranges
Experts say species typically found farther south are moving north as the climate warms, expanding the types of mosquitoes seen in Georgia.
How to reduce mosquito breeding around your home
- Empty, scrub or discard items that collect water, like buckets or birdbaths
- Cover containers such as rain barrels and cisterns
- Use mesh covers where lids aren’t available
- Fill tree holes and repair septic cracks
- Cover vents and exposed pipes
Mosquitoes can lay eggs that remain dormant for months — even in dry conditions — and hatch once water returns, making prevention key heading into wetter periods.
Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@usatodayco.com or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.
Georgia
Police seek public help identifying Georgia State MARTA stabbing suspect
The man pictured is wanted for questioning in connection with a stabbing at the Georgia State MARTA Station on May 24, 2026. (Credit: MARTA Police Department)
ATLANTA – Authorities are asking for the public’s help to identify an armed and dangerous suspect wanted for questioning in connection with a stabbing at the Georgia Tech MARTA Station.
What we know:
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority police are searching for a suspect following a stabbing at the Georgia State MARTA station. Law enforcement officials said the suspect is considered armed and dangerous. Investigators last saw the man at the transit station on May 24 around 1:26 p.m. wearing a plaid shirt, black pants, a black hat and tan sneakers.
The search comes after a man was stabbed several times at the rail station that day. Responding emergency crews transported the victim to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Anyone who has information about the identity or location of the suspect is urged to call transit police or Det. S. Haalliburton at 404-406-4266 or 404-848-4582.
Man stabbed multiple times at Georgia State MARTA station, police say
What we don’t know:
Officials have not publicly revealed a motive behind the violent attack. It also remains unclear if the suspect and the victim had any interaction prior to the stabbing or if the assault was entirely unprovoked.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from the MARTA Police Department.
Georgia
Two ‘Love Island USA’ contestants call GA home. When does season begin?
Love Island’s Olandria Carthen shares her workplace hot takes
“Love Island USA” star, Olandria Carthen played a fun game of Yay or nay with USA TODAY.
USA TODAY Entertainment
From dazzling smiles and lustful dates to shocking eliminations and lifelong friendships, Love Island USA is back.
A dozen singles are about to begin their journey on the hit dating show, and this summer is guaranteed to bring more viral moments.
The new season premieres on Tuesday, June 2, and Georgia viewers may recognize two of the new cast members.
Aniya Harvey, 23, and Kenzie Annis, 24, are leaving the Peach State behind for the beaches of Fiji for a chance at love in the villa.
Daughter of NBA player makes television debut
Aniya Harvey, daughter of Shellman-born former NBA player Donnell Harvey, is joining the cast from her home in Tyrone, Georgia.
Harvey graduated from Sandy Creek High School in 2020 and went on to play volleyball at Florida Atlantic University, where she studied marketing. According to her LinkedIn profile, Harvey has worked with the Reconstructing Youth Foundation, an organization started by her father to help at-risk youth in Georgia.
She posts carefully curated images on her social media pages, but very little personal information, instead choosing model-esque photos from various trips and activities.
Harvey says she has been single for six months and she’s “excited about finding … prince charming,” according to a video shared ahead of the premiere.
Recent KSU grad looks for love
Kenzie Annis is a recent graduate of the Kennesaw State University nursing school, finishing her degree just days before being whisked away to Fiji.
“I GRADUATED NURSING SCHOOL! Thank you KSU for some of the hardest, but best years of my life!” Annis said in an Instagram post on May 17. “I am happy to announce, I am now adding BSN to my name!”
Annis has already faced some online backlash after an old photo of her with a “Make America Great Again” cap resurfaced and was shared on social media.
In a now deleted post, Annis’ management team released a statement on TikTok that said older images no longer reflect her current beliefs, according to the Atlanta-Journal Constitution.
“Before viewers have even had the opportunity to get to know Kenzie, narratives are already being created based on outdated and selective information. We encourage everyone to approach these conversations with fairness, maturity, and an understanding that people grow and evolve over time … We hope people allow her the space to enter this new chapter without immediate judgment or unnecessary hostility,” the statement read.
In a video posted by Love Island, Annis said she’s been single for a year and a half and strives to find a relationship like her parents, who are still happily married.
Previous online bullying prompts statement
Concern over Annis’ previous affiliations are just the tip of the iceberg of how carefully dissected Love Island contestants become. Online bullying of the cast in previous seasons has warranted comment from Love Island USA, and even prompted a precautionary warning this season.
“The Villa runs on good vibes, and so does this community. We love seeing your reactions, opinions, and debates, but everyone deserves to feel safe and respected,” Love Island USA said in May 27 statement on Instagram. “This is a space for fun, not negativity – and remember: this is LOVE island!”
Another member of the season 8 cast, Vasana Montgomery, has already been removed from the season before it airs, USA TODAY reported. Montgomery, a 25-year-old business owner from Oregon, was accused of using racial slurs in recently resurfaced videos. Two previous contestant on season 7 of the show, Yulissa Escobar and Cierra Ortega, were pulled from the cast mid-season over similar accusations.
Where and when can I watch Love Island USA season 8?
All episodes of season 8 of Love Island USA will be streamed on Peacock. New episodes will drop each night at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Peacock subscriptions can range from $7.99 to $16.99 depending on the package.
Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.
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