NASHVILLE, Tenn. — “Defense win.”
Defensive edge Miles Capers had a simple two words when asked about his goal for Saturday’s scrimmage, Vanderbilt football’s first of spring practice.
While said with a smile, it reflects the competitive attitude within the program.
“Let’s put our identity out there as a defense (in the scrimmage),” defensive ends coach Jovan Haye said after Thursday’s practice. “Guys out there flying around, on top of their assignments, limiting the big, explosive plays. We need to make the offense go the long way. If they go the long way, we’ll have a chance to buckle down (and get stops).”
Haye has been pleased with the development at razor, the hybrid defensive end/linebacker position previously known as star. With returners including Capers, Aeneas DisCosmo and Darren Agu, Haye is also excited about the development of newcomers Khordae Syndor (transfer), Zaylin Wood (transfer), Mason Carter (freshman), Callahan Blair (freshman) and Simeon Boulware (freshman).
Syndor even drew a comparison to former Commodore and current Indianapolis Colt Dayo Odeyingbo.
“Khordae is different,” Haye said. “He’s a leader, super talented. We call him Dayo 2.0 because he moves like him and plays like him.”
Vanderbilt has completed eight practices entering Saturday’s scrimmage. On Tuesday, head coach Clark Lea talked about the need to push through the middle part of camp.
“We’re right in the thick of it,” Lea explained. “I’ve seen some improvements in ball protection on offense and we’ve had better decisions at the quarterback position. In the middle of camp, there’s always availability questions. We’re beat up, but that’s just part of it. Guys are pushing.”
