Aug. 12, 2011
Five to Watch: Matthews
In a new series titled: Five to Watch, VUCommodores.com takes a closer look at players to keep an eye on during preseason practice. After debuting the series with wide receiver Jordan Matthews, the second installment features sophomore linebacker Chase Garnham.
Garnham primarily played special teams as a freshman, but is now one of three linebackers battling for two starting spots next to middle linebacker Chris Marve. Garnham had a strong spring and is off to a good start during preseason camp. Vanderbilt athletic communications intern Eric Single recently caught up with Garnham to discuss the upcoming season.
Where do you think you’ve improved the most since the start of spring practice?
Probably my maturity. I think I have a better understanding of the defense this year, which is helpful on the field, being more consistent and more mature.
How has the mental makeup of the defense changed from this time last year?
We’re a lot more competitive. Everyone has a better understanding of their responsibilities, they fit their gaps better, and we play together as a team better.
How much does the new coaching staff emphasize that competitive atmosphere during practice?
We took a lot of the schematics out of it. It’s just playing more aggressive. You don’t have as many responsibilities, and it’s not as detailed as it was in the past, which helps us play free and more wide open, and make more plays.
What’s it like being part of a group of linebackers that doesn’t have a lot of game experience but is led by one of the team’s most experienced players in Chris Marve?
Chris has been really helpful in teaching us all the plays and showing us how to work and how to handle ourselves on and off the field. As far as us all being young and inexperienced, it gives us a lot of opportunities to play. It’s been competitive and enjoyable.
What will it take for you and your teammates to step into those open starting slots at linebacker effectively?
You just have to be more consistent, know your responsibilities and take care of your role on the team.
You spent a lot of time on special teams last year. Talk about that experience and what you take from it heading into your sophomore season.
I think it just gave me an opportunity to play last year and get accustomed to the big stadiums and handle a little bit of the pressure. I think it’ll help me out this year.
