Cory Trice Jr., once attended a basketball camp hosted by Scotty Hopson as a youngster. Meeting a professional player left an impact on Trice, who said he knew then he wanted to reach the professional level and come back and have the same impact on kids in his hometown.
That dream became a reality Friday as Trice held a basketball camp for youngsters at the Planters Bank-Jennie Stuart Sportsplex.
The former Christian County High School football and basketball star said attending the camp and being in the presence of a pro player changed him.
Trice graduated from Christian County High School in 2018 and went on to a stellar career at Purdue University.Â
During his college career, he had 106 tackles, five interceptions and two touchdowns. In 2021 he tore his ACL, but came back to earn All Big-Ten Honorable Mention in 2022.
The 6-foot-3, 206-pound defensive back was drafted in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, knee and hamstring injuries hampered the former Colonels’ star and he was released by the Steelers last month.
Although his playing time was limited by the injuries, Trice had 21 career tackles with two pass deflections and an interception. The pick came against Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos and sealed a win for Pittsburgh in a September 2024 game.
Trice said his message to the campers was to never give up.
Trice said he hasn’t given up on his NFL dream. He has been in Arizona and rehabbing his knee and hamstring. He is hoping that the league still has a place for him.
The former Colonels’ star finished up basketball camp Friday afternoon. He is offering a football camp on Saturday at the Stadium of Champions soccer fields. Registration is at 8 a.m.
Photos by Joe Wilson