March 10, 2008
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Warren Belin
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Two Vanderbilt defensive assistant coaches have been promoted to key new positions just one day before the Commodores open their seventh Spring Practice under Head Coach Bobby Johnson.
Jamie Bryant, mentor for the Vanderbilt defensive secondary since arriving on campus for the 2002 season, will add special teams coordinator responsibilities. Warren Belin, linebackers coach and former special teams coordinator, moves to recruiting coordinator.
Johnson announced the promotions of Bryant and Belin as the Commodores prepare to start spring drills on campus. The first Commodore spring practice session is scheduled for Tuesday, March 11 at the John Rich Practice Facility. Johnson is planning to direct 14 practices prior to the team’s featured Black & Gold Scrimmage on Saturday, March 29.
“These promotions are a reward for the outstanding work both of these coaches have contributed to our Vanderbilt staff,” Johnson said. “Jamie and Warren are two of the finest young defensive coaches in college football. Both were instrumental in helping our defense become one of the nation’s best last year, and both will do a fantastic job with their added duties.”
In 2007, the Commodore defense ranked among the best in recent team history. The unit finished 16th in the NCAA in total defense and 32nd in scoring defense by allowing 325.5 yards and 22.6 points per game.
The Commodores begin work Tuesday to improve on a 5-7 campaign last year that included a road victory over No. 6 ranked South Carolina and close Southeastern Conference losses to Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee.
Jamie Bryant
Nearly 90 prospects, including 48 letterwinners, are expected to participate in the Commodore Spring Practice. Several answers must be found during spring drills as the Commodore coaches look to replace more than half of their 2007 starters. Among the top Commodores not returning in 2008 are SEC all-time leading receiver Earl Bennett, All-SEC offensive tackles Chris Williams and Brian Stamper, all-conference linebacker Jonathan Goff, two-year starting linebacker Marcus Buggs, and three-year starting defensive tackle Theo Horrocks.
“Our guys are ready to get back to work and I’m looking forward to getting back on the field and getting the process started toward putting our best players on the field. That’s going to be a full aspect of Spring Practice,” Johnson said.
While the Commodores return 12 starters, all five offensive line positions and three slots on the defensive line are up for grabs.
Johnson’s promotion of Belin and Bryant comes a year after the Commodores produced their stiffest defense since 1999 and the fourth best statistical unit in the last four decades of Vanderbilt football. Pupils of both Belin and Bryant were key factors in the defensive improvement.
Belin continued his history of producing outstanding Vanderbilt linebackers. Goff, a senior interior linebacker, ranked among the league leaders in tackles and earned second team All-SEC honors. Senior linebacker Marcus Buggs also contributed the finest season of his career.
One of Bryant’s top pupils last year, sophomore D.J. Moore, became a First Team All-Southeastern Conference performer and ranked among the league leaders with six interceptions. The secondary, which also included first-year starting cornerback Myron Lewis and three-year starting safety Reshard Langford, also ranked 18th nationally in pass defense, allowing just 197.1 yards, and tied for 35th in the nation with 16 interceptions.
COMMODORE NOTES:
Johnson is expected to receive the Grant Teaff “Breaking the Silence Award” on Tuesday from the American Football Coaches Association and Jason Foundation. The award is presented annually to the college coach that has done the most for youth suicide prevention. Middle Tennessee resident and Jason Foundation CEO Clark Flatt is expected to present the award… Two Commodores, LB Brandon Bryant and FB/TE Matt Bubis, are likely to miss most or all of Spring Practice as they recover from off-season surgeries. Both are expected to be ready when the team opens preseason camp.
JOHNSON SCHEDULES SEVERAL RADIO INTERVIEWS:
Johnson is expected to appear on several sports radio stations in the coming days to discuss the Commodores’ upcoming spring drills.
Vanderbilt opens Spring Practice Tuesday, March 11, continuing three weeks as the team gears up for the featured Black & Gold Scrimmage on March 29.
Johnson’s schedule for radio appearances follows:
Monday, March 10
3:25 p.m.: 104.5 The Zone, Nashville, with Sports Zone co-hosts George Plaster, Willy Daunic & Darren McFarland
5:15 p.m.: 106.7 The Fan, Nashville, with The Dawghouse co-hosts Thom Abraham & Jonathan Shaffer
Tuesday, March 11
8:05 a.m.: Sports Radio 560-AM WNSR, with Morning Sports Page co-hosts Greg Pogue & David Coleman
Wednesday, March 12
7:10 a.m.: 104.5 The Zone, Nashville, with WakeUp Zone co-hosts Kevin Ingram, Mark Howard and Frank Wycheck
