Aug. 12, 2011
Preseason Blog | Franklin’s Fundamentals | Video: Camping with Joe Fisher
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Commodores staged an energetic two-hour workout in humid conditions Friday, getting in plenty of physical work as well as preparing for two Saturday practices, including a morning session open to the public.
One day after having SEC officials monitoring the team’s workout, Head Coach James Franklin added artificial crowd noise to the Commodores’ practice agenda. Looking to limit mistakes with improved concentration on both sides of the ball, Franklin raised the decibel level in two different 11-on-11 portions of the workout.
On Saturday, the Commodores will practice at 9:30 a.m., in limited gear, then return for another session in full pads at 5:30 p.m. Franklin said fans wanting to see the early progress of the Commodores can attend the morning session. Gates to the John Rich Practice Facility will open at 9 a.m.
With summer school ending earlier in the day, Franklin also welcomed back nearly a dozen freshmen that missed sessions on Thursday to prepare for class finals.
Linebackers Stepping Forward
Franklin said he was impressed with the development of three linebackers competing for vacant starting jobs on either side of middle linebacker Chris Marve. Through the first week of camp, juniors Archibald Barnes and Tristan Strong and sophomore Chase Garnham have earned the praise of coaches after solid individual plays. On Friday, Garnham capped an excellent practice with an interception in 11-on-11 drills.
“I’ve been impressed with all three of those guys. They are coming along and doing a great job for our defense. All of us are pleased with the improvement they have shown from the spring to now,” Franklin said.
Several Commodores Getting Repetitions at Center
Offensive line coach Herb Hand alternated four linemen at center through the practice. Redshirt sophomore Wesley Johnson, the starting left tackle last year, earned the most action, with junior Jabo Burrow, freshman Joe Townsend and freshman Jose Valedon also earning repetitions.
Finishing with “Dore Wars”
The practice concluded on a physical note with Franklin putting several freshmen through the energetic “Dore Wars” drill. The full-contact, goal line rushing segment featured freshman tailback Mitchell Hester trying to score behind three freshmen blockers against four first-year defenders.
Surrounded by the entire squad, it was easy to see which side captured the drill: when Hester scored, he was mobbed by offensive teammates; when defenders stopped Hester, the entire defense celebrated.
Impressive Individual Highlights
– In a situational scrimmage period focused on third-down situations, sophomore defensive back Andre Hal and junior defensive tackle Taylor Loftley picked off passes. Loftley’s pick came after another defender deflected a pass attempt.
– Sophomore defensive tackle Jared Morse twice put the offense in poor yardage situations with a sack and tackle for loss.
– Junior defensive back Trey Wilson nabbed an interception on a tipped pass intended for junior John Cole late in the practice.
Another Impressive Practice for Matthews
Franklin entered preseason looking for explosive contributors on offense. None have impressed like sophomore receiver Jordan Matthews.
Throughout the practice, Matthews was on the receiving end of passes from Commodore quarterbacks. Early in the session, he hauled in consecutive deep sideline passes in 1-on-1 drills. Later, in 11-on-11 work, he hooked up with QBs Larry Smith, Jordan Rodgers and Josh Grady for first down gains.