Aug. 8, 2012
Franklin Interview | Preseason Blog
Nashville – The Commodore offense showed improvement Wednesday, but still ended up running sprints after coming up on the short end of a competitive third-down session with their defensive counterparts that capped the team’s sixth preseason practice.
Vanderbilt Head Coach James Franklin was upbeat afterward, saying both sides of the ball improved after a disappointing Tuesday practice.
“I thought we practiced well today,” Franklin said, “and we have to continue to do that.”
The Commodores worked in full pads for the second straight day, though the coaches restricted full contact. The team will continue in full gear Thursday afternoon on campus.
The defensive effort in the featured segment was topped by tackles resulting in lost yards by junior Jared Morse, senior Johnell Thomas and reshirt freshman Larry Franklin.
The offense enjoyed their own fireworks, including an impressive 35-yard hookup between senior Jordan Rodgers and junior wideout Jordan Matthews. Rodgers also hit redshirt freshman H-back Kris Kentera for 11 yards and another first down in the third-down segment.
Rodgers also threw impressively during passing drills earlier in the practice, connecting with Kentera, sophomore tight end Dillon van der Wal and junior wide receiver Jonathan Krause, among others.
Secondary Continues to Produce Big Plays
Through the first week of practice, the Commodore defensive secondary has created several turnovers. It continued on Wednesday during 7-on-7 drills, with junior cornerback Steven Clarke returning an errant pass down the sideline for a touchdown.
Junior safety Kenny Ladler also earned praise from coaches after contributing a pair of athletic pass deflections.
Return of `Dore Wars
Franklin opened the practice by reintroducing the team to `Dore Wars, a drill pitting a back running behind three offensive linemen against a linebacker lining up behind three defensive linemen. If the running back gains a first down, the offense earns points; if the defense gets a stop, points go to the defense.
The drill went to the defense, with freshman end Caleb Azubike and freshman linebacker Jake Sealand contributing key defensive stops. Freshman running back Brian Kimbrow helped earn offensive points on an impressive 10-yard carry.
