Aug. 11, 2015
On campus in Nashville – The Commodores completed their first two-a-day session with an energetic workout Tuesday afternoon in Vanderbilt Stadium.
The team’s first stadium practice, featuring several 11-on-11 segments, two periods devoted to special teams and individual fundamentals, lasted 75 minutes and followed a morning session held in the team’s indoor practice facility.
The team’s afternoon practice was staged in full gear, but did not feature full contact drills. The players wore limited gear in the morning session, spending much of that session on playbook development and review.
Highlights from the team drills in the stadium included:
– Four carries by running back Ralph Webb for long yardage, including two where the sophomore appeared to go the distance. Webb’s last carry, a 20-yard rush where he ran powerfully taking on an open-field tackle by safety Andrew Rector, could have been his most impressive of the practice.
– Consecutive sacks by linebacker Ja’karri Thomas and defensive end Caleb Azubike, followed by another Azubike pressure of the quarterback.
– Running back Josh Crawford produced two rushes off the edge resulting in first downs, and hauled in two receptions to stretch drives.
– Receiver Trent Sherfield made a sensational, over-the-shoulder catch on a deep route.
– Quarterback Johnny McCrary connected on four straight passes, including hitting Crawford and receiver C.J. Duncan for a first down.
– Four defensive backs – Arnold Tarpley, Tre Herndon, Donovan Sheffield and Ryan White showed physicality and excellent tackling form reacting to short completions.
– Linebacker Zach Cunningham registered the only turnover, picking off a mid-range pass thrown over the middle.
– Defensive tackle Jay Woods and cornerback Torren McGaster continued their solid camps: Woods stuffing two consecutive rushes at the line of scrimmage; McGaster reacting quickly to deflect a sideline route.
– Tight end Nathan Marcus caught two passes, both resulting in first downs.
– Outside linebacker Stephen Weatherly deflected a pass attempt at the line of scrimmage.
– Cornerback Bryce Lewis closed the 11-on-11 segment by defended a deep pass intended for receiver Ronald Monroe.
The Commodores will stay off the practice field Wednesday, spending much of the day with weight room and meeting responsibilities.
Dore Jam Fan Day on Sunday
The Commodores will host their annual Dore Jam fan day event this Sunday in the indoor practice facility. The popular event, scheduled for 2-4 p.m., features free admission and free posters for player and coach autographs.
Plenty of family and kids activities are planned at the event. Parking for Commodore fans is free in surface lots 73-75 located across Natchez Trace from the program’s track & field facility.
