Aug. 7, 2008
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Commodores focused on expanding their playbook and special teams Wednesday.
One day after donning full gear and staging a limited live scrimmage, Bobby Johnson’s squad practiced for more than two hours Wednesday in shoulder pads, helmets and shorts. While spending time on individual instruction and working to correct miscues from the Tuesday scrimmage, the staff allocated additional team teaching sessions aimed at broadening the offensive and defensive playbooks.
During 11-on-11 work toward the conclusion of practice, the offense gave greater emphasis to its rushing attack than in previous practices, with tailbacks Jared Hawkins (R-Jr., Spring, Texas), Jeff Jennings (R-Sr., Jefferson City, Tenn.) and Gaston Miller (R-So., Murfreesboro, Tenn.) getting most of the repetitions. The staff also staged sessions for various special teams, including coverage units and kick conversions.
“As a coaching staff, you always want to get the most out of every practice opportunity, but have to assess various things and make decisions that will have the best impact on your team,” Johnson said. “Today was one of those days. Even though we didn’t go (in full gear), we had an extremely productive practice.”
The Commodores are expecting to practice Thursday and Friday evenings on the FieldTurf synthetic surface at John Rich Practice Facility, then stage their first preseason scrimmage in Vanderbilt Stadium on Saturday. The team is scheduled for their first off day on Sunday before starting two-a-day sessions Monday.
Other Practice Notes
– Derrius Dowell (R-Jr., Atlanta, Ga.) is likely out for the year after suffering a torn ACL to his knee on Tuesday. Dowell was competing for playing time at defensive tackle. Wide receiver Jamie Graham (R-Fr., Nashville, Tenn.) and tight end Brandon Barden (Lincolnton, Ga.) also were out, but are not expected to miss extended time. Defensive tackle Adam Smotherman (R-So., Smyrna, Tenn.) was excused by the staff for personal reasons. Receiver George Smith (R-Sr., Pembroke Pines, Fla.), linebacker Brandon Bryant (R-Jr., Cincinnati, Ohio) and defensive end Tim Fugger (R-Fr., Oak Brook, Ill.) also remain away from practice.
– Joe Fisher, play-by-play announcer for the Commodores, and Wally Conyers, a starting defensive end on the 2001 Vanderbilt squad, watched much of the session.
Update on Former ‘Dores In the NFL
– Former Commodore great Corey Chavous, entering his 11th year in the NFL, is in Nashville, joining his St. Louis Rams’ teammates for three days of practice with the Tennessee Titans. The teams square off Saturday night at LP Field.
– Jonathan Goff, a two-time All-SEC player and 2007 graduate, expects to see action at linebacker and on special teams in his first NFL game tonight when the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants visit Detroit.
– Earl Bennett has earned early raves from beat writers for the Chicago Bears. The SEC’s all-time leading receiver will play tonight as the Bears host Kansas City. Former Commodore first round draft pick Chris Williams is not expected to play, having missed several practices due to back spasms.
– Offensive tackle Brian Stamper also is expected to make his first NFL appearance tonight as the New Orleans Saints travel to Arizona. The game will be televised on ESPN.
– Theo Horrocks’ push for an NFL career with the Jacksonville Jaguars has ended. Horrocks, a rookie defensive tackle, was waived Wednesday, three days after suffering a foot fracture in practice.
Dore Jam Coming Sunday, August 17
Dore Jam 2008, the Commodores’ annual fan day activity, is scheduled Sunday, August 17, from 4-6 p.m., at the team’s practice facility. The event features player autographs, kids games and attractions, and representation by student-athletes of several Commodore sports. This year, the team will also unveil its new Nike uniforms, with pant and jersey combinations available in white, gold and black.
