Football Preseason Camp Report- 8/12/06

Football Preseason Camp Report- 8/12/06

8/12/2006

Vanderbilt Stadium on campus (Aug. 12) — Toward the conclusion of their first preseason scrimmage Saturday, Vanderbilt Bobby Johnson challenged both sides of the line, deciding to go for a 4th down and goal from the 4-yard line.

Through much of the scrimmage leading to the fourth down call, the Commodore offense had produced big plays but few points ­– a lone touchdown reception by receiver Alex Washington and two possessions that ended in field goal conversions.

On the fourth down call, quarterback Chris Nickson came to the rescue, finding receiver Marlon White open in the back of the end zone for a touchdown.

The Nickson-to-White connection gave the Vanderbilt offense plenty to build on as the Commodores enjoy Dore Jam Fan Day activities Sunday and return for their second full week of practice Monday.

Johnson’s staff will have plenty to evaluate following the squad’s scrimmage. In their first preseason appearance in Vanderbilt Stadium, the Commodores staged a 17-series, 74-play full contact affair in front of family members, friends and media.

“The guys acted like they wanted to be there. I was pleased with the way they got after each other. I saw some mistakes, some lapses in concentration, but we can improve those things,” Johnson said. “As a staff, we’ll go study the film, identify our mistakes and try to correct them.”

After permitting an 11-play offensive drive to open the scrimmage, the Commodore defense settled down, limiting their counterparts to a pair of field goal attempts in the next eight possessions. Plays by several defenders, including ends Curtis Gatewood, Steven Stone and Broderick Stewart, linebackers Kevin Joyce, Funtaine Hunter, Patrick Benoist, Brandon Bryant and Nate Campbell, safety Brent Trice and cornerback Josh Allen, helped stop offensive possessions.

Quarterback Richard Kovalcheck guided the first touchdown drive. Starting at midfield, Kovalcheck connected with Sean Walker, Alex Washington and George Smith to move the ball inside the 20-yard line, then found Washington over the middle for a 19-yard TD.

The defense, sparked by cornerback D.J. Moore, quickly responded. On consecutive possessions, Moore returned a fumble for 20 yards, then picked off a pass by Kovalcheck. Later in the scrimmage, Moore stopped another drive by breaking up a third down pass. The unit also closed the scrimmage in fashion, with defensive tackle Greg Billinger stopping a drive by knocking down a pass in the backfield.

Elsewhere during the scrimmage?

– Placekicker Bryant Hahnfeldt appeared recovered from an ankle injury earlier in the week. The 2005 All-SEC freshman showed excellent field goal form throughout the scrimmage.

– Brett Upson displayed consistency and distance as a punter. In special teams work, Upson hit one punt 60 yards. Kyle Keown followed Upson’s longest effort with one of his own.

– White showed excellent hands, and an ability to gain yards after the catch. On one of four receptions, White broke a tackle, turning a short catch into a 15-yard gainer.

– While Washington netted 30 yards on two receptions, three other receivers — Sean Walker, Larry Simmons and Justin Wheeler — produced catches in traffic that earned applause from teammates and observers.

– Along with Moore, Trice was among the active defenders, continually sticking his shoulders into traffic from the safety position. He also contributed a defensed pass in the effort.

– Both Stewart and Joyce were credited with a pair of tackles for loss.

Absent from Scrimmage
As expected, several key Commodores did not dress due to assorted injuries, including receiver Earl Bennett, safeties Reshard Langford and Ryan Hamilton, cornerback Joel Caldwell and tight end Thomas Welch.

Upcoming Practice Schedule
The Commodores are off Sunday to participate in the popular Dore Jam, a free activity for Vanderbilt fans scheduled at John Rich Practice Facility from 4-6 p.m. Autographs, plenty of kids activities, posters and interactive games are featured at the fun event. After the off day, the team will start its second full week of practice with a pair of sessions Monday.

Dore Jam V
The team’s official Fan Day activity, Dore Jam V, offers a great chance for Commodore fans to meet their favorite Vanderbilt student-athletes. The free event is scheduled this Sunday, from 4-6 p.m., at the John Rich Practice Complex.

Besides getting autographs and talking with favorite Commodore football players, young Vanderbilt fans can try their hands at other Vanderbilt varsity sports, including golf, baseball, bowling and likely track and field activities. Athletes and coaches from several Commodore squads are expected to participate.

Kids visiting the event have plenty of free entertainment options, from an inflatable Bounce House and Giant Slide to receiving special Commodore hats. Visitors can also register for an opportunity to win various prizes, from an authentic Commodore jersey to a signed football by Coach Johnson. A Commodore team poster featuring the 2006 football schedule will be free to all in attendance. Free hot dogs and soft drinks also will be provided to the first 1,000 patrons.

Vanderbilt season tickets, the least expensive in the Southeastern Conference, are available for the six home games. Packages start at $80. The Commodore home opener is against Arkansas on Sept. 16. Other home games include Tennessee State on Sept. 23, Temple on Sept. 30, South Carolina on Oct. 21, Florida on Nov. 4 and Tennessee on Nov. 18. Click here to purchase season tickets!