Football Preseason Camp Report- 8/8/06

Football Preseason Camp Report- 8/8/06

8/8/2006

Brief Scrimmage Tops First Commodore Full-Pad Practice Tuesday

On Campus in Nashville (Day 5) — A strong tackle by defensive end Curtis Gatewood and linebacker Brandon Bryant in the closing minutes of practice Tuesday signaled the start of preseason full contact drills at Vanderbilt.

Head Coach Bobby Johnson saw a lot to like from the brief 19-play scrimmage that concluded the two-hour, 30-minute session. At the same time, he said many Commodore players might have put too much thought into their position responsibilities.

“It was good to get the contact started. I saw a lot of good things throughout the practice and during the (scrimmage) final periods,” Johnson said. “At the same time, we had a lot of young guys out there in their first full contact drills and some of those guys were probably thinking too much. As we practice more, you’ll naturally see guys having to think less and react more.”

Quarterback Chris Nickson was effective in the opening drive, engineering the offense to three first downs with completions to George Smith, Sean Walker and Jared Hawkins. The Commodore defense, led by linebacker Brandon Bryant, stiffened inside its 30-yard-line, forcing a field goal situation. Bryant’s jarring tackle of Hawkins, and a strong stop by safety Myron Lewis, highlighted the opening defensive stand.

The defense controlled the other two possessions. The second drive concluded when Mackenzi Adams was sacked by Sean Dixon. After first downs coming on tosses from Adams to Steven Goulet and Richard Kovalcheck to Chris Reinert, the defense again stiffened on the last drive, with tackle Ray Brown, linebacker Nathan Campbell and tackle Brandon Holmes making solo tackles.

Before the scrimmage, the Commodores spent much of the practice working on position fundamentals, kickoff return and coverage units, and team drills.

Upcoming Practice Schedule
The Commodores will practice each evening through Friday, then start two-a-day drills on Saturday before taking their first day off from preseason camp Sunday for Dore Jam V.

Dore Jam V This Sunday
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!