July 25, 2011
 |
by Brandon Barca (Archive) Twitter updates @brandonbarca |
We hope you had a chance to visit our behind the scenes coverage from SEC Media Day last Friday. We documented the trip with blogs, videos, photos, quotes and more. Check it out during your lunch break.
The bulk of media articles on James Franklin’s debut in Hoover dealt with his vision for the program moving forward. The Huntsville Times noted that Franklin used the word “opportunity” 16 times in his address. The Press-Register said Franklin was strictly business with a clear message on making Vanderbilt a contender.
Chris Marve, Casey Hayward and Larry Smith believe Franklin has injected confidence into the Commodores since arriving last December. The players told The Tennessean that they have a realistic and feasible shot at making it back to a bowl game.
Larry Smith admitted to his hometown newspaper, The Montgomery Advertiser, that his Commodore career to date has been frustrating at times, but the quarterback welcomes change heading into his final season.
The Detroit Tigers signed third round draft pick Aaron Westlake last Friday. Congrats to Westy … let’s celebrate his career with footage of his three homers that lifted the Dores to their first-ever College World Series.
The Eagle Tribune ran a feature on Mike Yastrzemski, who’s currently playing summer ball in the Cape. Yastrzemski talks about his father’s death and how it was the toughest situation he ever faced. The story also includes a video interview.
Former Commodore Ryan Flaherty was recently promoted to Triple-A Iowa (Chicago Cubs) and returned to Nashville over the weekend for a series with the Sounds. Stooche Jones caught up with Flash for a one-on-one interview prior to Saturday’s game. Flaherty also talked with The Tennessean about adjusting to pro ball life and admitted that he no longer uses “I’m shipping up to Boston” as his walk-up music. Cue foot stomp.
Additional Commodore News from SEC Media Day
Football: Video, transcript from SEC Media Day (VUcommodores.com)
Football: Audio: Marve on 104.5’s Wake-Up Zone (VUcommodores.com)
Football: Barden, Hayward and Marve recognized by SEC media (VUcommodores.com)
Football: Franklin pitches his message at SEC Media Day (The Tennessean)
Football: Latest Vanderbilt coach inspires players (Commercial Appeal)
Football: Chris Low interviews Chris Marve (ESPN)
Football: SEC Media Day 3 recap (ESPN)
Football: SEC Media Days Spotlight: VU’s James Franklin (SECsports)
Football: Franklin gives positive take on program (Associated Press)
Football: Franklin upbeat at SEC Media Days (CBSsports)
Football: Franklin aims high (Sporting News)
Football: Vanderbilt coach praises former Oxford tackle (The Anniston Star)
Football: New coach: Vandy has advantage (Gainesville Sun)
Football: SEC Media Days in quotes (Al.com)
Football: Smith doesn’t expect starting job handed to him (Al.com)
Football: Vandy eyes turnaround in 2011 (Herald-Leader)
Football: Franklin changing culture at Vanderbilt (Dothan Eagle)
Special Ticket Promotion This Week
If you’re thinking about buying football season tickets but are still undecided, you might want to consider this special summer offer only available for fans that purchase tickets between Monday and Friday this week (July 25th – 29th). Reserve your seats now and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a chance to win an ultimate fan experience with the Commodores. Find out more
Video of the Day
Senior linebacker Chris Marve recorded a series of iReports from SEC Media Day. In his final entry from Hoover, Marve searched for someone to interview and randomly found teammate Casey Hayward hanging out in front of an SEC backdrop, leading to this funny exchange.
Marve: “Oh, look who it is? The second best dressed guy here.”
Hayward: “They didn’t tell me I dressed ‘very well.’ They said, “Casey Hayward, you’re the best dressed here. I don’t even know who number two is.”
We’ll let you settle the argument on best dressed…
Song of the Day
In case you didn’t hear the news, I’m back in the saddle again.
Did I miss anything newsworthy since March?
