February 25, 2004

Commodores Move Into Full Pads Thursday Afternoon

2/25/2004

QB Jay Cutler has been among the busiest Commodores in Vanderbilt’s two practices this spring.

Commodores Move Into Full Pads Thursday Afternoon
Johnson Compliments Team After Wednesday Practice

On the Vanderbilt campus – With a pair of non-contact drills successfully completed, the Commodores will practice in full gear Thursday afternoon for the first time this spring.

Head Coach Bobby Johnson said the Commodores are likely to go in full pads Friday afternoon and Saturday morning on the AstroPlay synthetic surface at John Rich Practice Facility.

“We had a second good, solid practice Wednesday. I like how this team is going about the task of getting better,” Johnson said. “I’m looking forward to getting the team into pads and seeing them continue to work hard.”

The Commodores staged a two-hour, 30-minute practice Wednesday in cold temperatures that hovered around 40 degrees. The practice, which mirrored the team’s opening session, stressed position and team teaching drills. The squad spent 45 minutes on individual instruction before focusing on the passing game. The practice ended with an no-contact, 11-on-11 session.

Quarterback Duo Getting a Workout
Nobody can say that Vanderbilt quarterbacks Jay Cutler and Steven Bright are easing through spring drills. As the team’s only signal callers in uniform, Cutler and Bright are among the busiest Commodores, hustling from one offensive drill to another.

“Neither one of them really has a lot of choice in the matter. Right now, they are all we have in uniform,” Johnson said. “Our staff has a lot of faith in Jay and Steven. Both are competitive by nature and team leaders, so I expect them to make the most of the practice time. The added repetitions will only help both guys.”

This Week’s Schedule
The Commodores are expected to practice Friday at 4:30 p.m., and Saturday at 9:30 a.m. The practices are open to the public.

Commodore Defender Suspended
Redshirt freshman Greg Jacobs, expected to contend for playing time on the defensive line this spring, has been suspended indefinitely for violating team rules, Johnson said. The coach did not elaborate. Jacobs has not practiced this spring. The Virginia native practiced at defensive end as a redshirt in 2003.