Aug. 4, 2008
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Coming off a subpar practice, the Vanderbilt offense introduced a new contributor Sunday – All-America defensive back candidate D.J. Moore – and produced an immediate impact on the Commodores’ offensive arsenal of playmakers.
For the first time in his Commodore career, Moore (Jr., Spartanburg, S.C.) worked exclusively with the Vanderbilt offense, getting repetitions in 1-on-1, 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills as a receiver. Moore showed ease with the position responsibilities and plenty of ability, making a number of impressive catches on a day when the Commodore offense looked much better than a day earlier.
Head Coach Bobby Johnson said Moore would continue to get practice time with the offense. As a sophomore in 2007, Moore provided big-play abilities as an infrequent offensive player, including a pair of 39-yard rushes.
Regarded as one of the nation’s top defensive backs, Moore is also one of the Southeastern Conference’s most exciting and explosive kickoff returners. At practice on Sunday, Moore added receiver and punt returner to his potential repertoire.
“I’ve seen a lot of guys who can do that many things, but not many who can do them that well,” Johnson said. “D.J. is just a pretty talented player, one of those guys that really knows how to play football.”
The Commodores donned shoulder pads for the first time on Sunday, moving closer to their first session in full gear on Tuesday. The change in attire brought an increase in overall intensity to the squad, who spend more than two hours focusing on individual instruction, playbook installation and special teams.
“That was a good practice. I thought the intensity level was where you want it and guys were going fast,” Johnson said. “When guys start putting pads on, it just makes everything feel more like real football.
“Our guys were competing very well. I thought we had excellent energy, and worked hard to get better today,” Johnson added.
Moore’s move across the line of scrimmage sparked a receiving corps that struggled on Saturday. Several receivers matched Moore with excellent catches, including George Smith (R-Sr., Pembroke Pines, Fla.), Justin Wheeler (R-Jr., North Augusta, S.C.), Jamie Graham (R-Fr., Nashville, Tenn.) and John Cole (Fr., Somerset, Ky.).
While Moore give the offense a lift, other candidates at defensive back took advantage of increased repetitions. On consecutive plays, Joel Caldwell (R-Jr., Hoover, Ala.) and Casey Hayward (Fr., Elko, Ga.) were praised by coaches for defending deep sideline passes. Alan Strong (R-So., Atlanta, Ga.) also continued his strong showing at cornerback.
Other Commodore Notes
– Several linemen impressed in 1-on-1 pass rush drills. On the defensive side, end Theron Kadri (So., Brighton, Tenn.) beat an offensive lineman on three occasions to reach the quarterback. End Steven Stone (R-Jr., Conway, Ark.) and tackle Greg Billinger (Jr., Lilburn, Ga.) also accomplished the feat.
– Several offensive linemen also were effective during the drill, including guard Ryan Custer (R-Jr., Troy, Ohio), tackles Reilly Lauer (R-So., Gates Mill, Ohio) and James Williams (R-Fr., Smyrna, Tenn.), and centers Bradley Vierling (R-Jr., Warminster, Pa.) and Joey Bailey (R-So., Trussville, Ala.).
– Starting punter Brett Upson (Jr., Griffin, Ga.) continues to miss practice with unspecified stomach problems. The punting chores continue to be handled by starting placekicker Bryant Hahnfeldt (Sr., Nashville, Tenn.) and two promising freshmen, Ryan Fowler (Taylors, S.C.) and Richard Kent (Marietta, Ga.).
Former Commodores in NFL Hall of Fame Game Sunday
Three former Commodores – veteran tight end Todd Yoder, center Justin Geisinger and rookie linebacker Curtis Gatewood – contributed to the Washington Redskins’ 30-16 victory over Indianapolis in the NFL Hall of Fame preseason opener Sunday night.
Yoder caught three passes, good for 18 yards, while Geisinger was an interior presence for a Redskins’ rushing attack that produced 156 total yards. Gatewood contributed four tackles.
