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Day 8: Commodores End Rainy Thursday Session With 10-Series Situational Scrimmage 8/14/2003
Day 8: Commodores End Rainy Thursday Session With 10-Series Situational Scrimmage 8-14-03
On campus in Nashville, Tenn. – Vanderbilt Head Coach Bobby Johnson achieved what he wanted Wednesday, sending his squad through a situational scrimmage after a lengthy weather delay. When the team departed the John Rich Practice Facility, Johnson was thankful to have completed two practices and happy to get his squad through some live contact. “I was glad to get the live action in tonight. I was pleased that the guys came back from the delay and gave us a lot of effort,” Coach Johnson said. “Fortunately, we dodged the weather and got everything on film. Now we can go back, look at the film, and work to make adjustments.” After concentrating on fundamentals and team teaching during a 2-hour, 30-minute morning session, the Commodores were ready to start a second practice in full pads when a severe thunderstorm forced the squad into the locker room at 6:20 p.m. The team did not return to the field until 7:50 p.m. It marked the first time this preseason that poor weather has affected the team. The morning session also featured a brief shower. The Commodore defense slowed the offense through much of the full-contact session. Among the defenders making big plays were tackles Aaron Carter and Trey Holloway, ends Jovan Haye and Chris Booker, cornerback Bill Alford and linebackers Otis Washington, Moses Osemwegie and Funtaine Hunter. The offense had better results toward the end of practice, when quarterback Jay Cutler directed a scoring drive. The possession was helped by Cutler completions to wide receiver Erik Davis and tailback Ronald Hatcher, before Hatcher scampered into the end zone following a second catch. Walker, Getter Excused from Morning Session A pair of fifth-year seniors, quarterback Benji Walker (Brentwood, Tenn.) and tight end Nick Getter (Round Rock, Texas) had a good reason for missing the morning session. Both were attending an orientation at Vanderbilt’s Owen School of Management. Walker and Getter were recently accepted in the Owen’s prestigious graduate school. Each participated in the team’s evening practice. Regional Radio Comes to Vanderbilt The Southern Sports Tonight Radio Show, hosted by Scott McKinney, paid a visit on the Commodores Tuesday as part of its annual SEC Footbal Caravan. The popular show airs on more than 150 stations nightly across the Southeast. During the three-hour show, McKinney interviewed Coach Johnson and three of his assistants – offensive coordinator Ted Cain, defensive coordinator Bruce Fowler and assistant head coach/offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell about the coming season. Several other prominent Commodores, ranging from men’s basketball head coach Kevin Stallings to noted training table chef Majid “Magic” Noori, also participated in the program. Starting Sunday, Johnson Plans to Close Practices After two weeks of public practices, Coach Johnson is expected to close the sessions to the public starting this Sunday, August 17, as the squad moves forward with its game plan for the August 30 opener against Ole Miss in Vanderbilt Stadium. |
