NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason has been pleased with the fiery competition on display each day throughout preseason camp as the Commodores prepare for their Aug. 31 season opener with Georgia.
The quarterback competition between graduate student Riley Neal and redshirt junior Deuce Wallace, has been the top storyline in preseason camp. Mason told media members Tuesday he currently has no plans to announce the replacement for three-starter and current Kansas City Chief Kyle Shurmur.
“I’m not going to declare a starting quarterback until we get ready to play,” Mason said. “Both of these guys have earned that respect. Right now, they are neck and neck. Both of them are working and will continue to work.”
The Commodores opened their third week of preseason drills Tuesday morning with a brisk two-hour session at the John Rich Facility. The practice comes one day before the start of fall semester classes on campus.
More Accolades for Pinkney
Tight end Jared Pinkney added to his accolades Tuesday by getting named to the Associated Press preseason All-America second team. Previously, Pinkney, the nation’s top returning tight ends for receiving yards, has been listed on preseason All-America squads by ESPN, SI.com and The Sporting News.
Coach’s Show Moving to Mondays
The Coach’s Show featuring Mason and Commodore play-by-play announcer Joe Fisher is moving to Mondays this season. The first show is scheduled Aug. 26, starting at 7 p.m.
The one-hour show airs on WLAC AM 1510 live from the Commodore Grille at Holiday Inn Vanderbilt, located just off campus on West End Avenue. Commodore fans are invited to attend the show.
