March 14, 2016
On campus in Nashville — The Commodores returned from Spring Break with an energetic workout Monday morning, starting their push toward the Black & Gold Spring Game.
Head Coach Derek Mason put the squad through a 70-minute session in the indoor practice facility. The workout, held in limited gear, focused on conditioning, position techniques, playbook expansion, team drills and extensive special teams.
Mason said the squad showed more enthusiasm and concentration as the practice endured.
“You want guys to get back in the mood of practicing. It’s not that easy to do,” Mason said. “You have to shake off the rust, be disciplined and focused, and just take care of business.
“We ended up having a good, high-energy practice. There were some rust, but as the practice went along, guys got after it and we got the work done,” he added.
The Monday session pushed the Commodore beyond the midway mark of spring drills. The team will return to work Wednesday, and is scheduled to stage six more practices before the Black & Gold Spring Game, scheduled Friday, March 25 in Vanderbilt Stadium. The spring finale starts at 6 p.m., and is free to fans. Numerous pre-game events are planned in conjunction with the game, including youth field day, interactive kids activities, live music and Vandyville tailgate, will start about 3 p.m.
Woods to miss rest of spring drills
Jay Woods (Jr., DT) will miss the rest of spring drills after suffering an injury in practice prior to Spring Break, Mason said. Woods, who contributed 24 tackles and started five games last year, is expected to return when the Commodores open preseason camp this summer.
Former ‘Dore standouts watch team’s progress
Myron Lewis and Adam Smotherman are the latest former Commodore standouts to watch the team’s spring progress. Lewis, a former All-SEC cornerback who played four years in the NFL, and Smotherman, a former lineman who currently works with the Clemson strength staff, watched the entire session.
Other former ‘Dores who have been seen at recent practices include running back Zac Stacy of the New York Jets, wide receiver Jordan Matthews of the Philadelphia Eagles, safety Kenny Ladler and placekicker Carey Spear.
