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Commodores Move Into Week 2 of Spring Practice 3/1/2004
Commodores Move Into Week 2 of Spring Practice Week 2 of Spring Practice – Five sessions into the 2004 Spring Practice, Commodore Head Coach Bobby Johnson expects to make more progress during the second week of work when the team returns to practice Tuesday afternoon. The Commodores concluded their first week of practice with a scrimmage Saturday morning. They are expected to hold three practices this week before taking a week off for Spring Break. After the break, the Commodores will conclude the spring activities with two weeks of work. The Black & Gold Scrimmage, the annual highlight of Spring Practice, is scheduled Saturday, March 20. “I have been pleased with the effort this spring. We have guys that are working hard to get better and some guys that are stepping forward as leaders. Overall, the team attitude has been excellent,” Johnson said. The coach expects his squad to make a lot more progress this week. “We only had a day or two going with live contact, so I think we’re still in the process of making the transition to real football,” Johnson said. “When guys get back to tackling and the pressure is on, the natural tendency is for players to revert to bad habits. It’s just something players and coaches face each spring.” Saturday Scrimmage Report “We did some good things out there,” Johnson said as he left the John Rich Practice Facility. “For our first scrimmage, I liked what I saw. I thought the “A” defense played well at times. The “B” offense also made some positive things happen.” Junior defensive end Jovan Haye set the defensive tone quickly. Reacting quickly to a shovel pass, Haye tackled fullback Matthew Tant for a loss to stop a third and short yardage play. Later in the scrimmage, the Commodore pass rush led by Haye and senior defensive lineman Robert Dinwiddie forced junior quarterback Jay Cutler into incompletions and short receptions. When receivers caught passes, safety Andrew Pace and Bill Alford were among defensive backs who made sure tackles. Sophomore quarterback Steven Bright was effective guiding the “B” offense. After scoring the first points of the day on a rushing touchdown, Bright guided a four-play, 50-yard touchdown drive near the end of the session. He concluded the drive with a 23-yard touchdown pass to redshirt freshman George Smith. Sophomore Tim Miller, working at tailback, aided the drive with a 25-yard gain off right tackle. Haye, Pyle Earn Gold Jerseys Injuries to Booker, Lea and Dossett Being Evaluated Both Booker, a rising junior defensive end, and Dossett, a sophomore offensive lineman, sustained knee ligament injuries that will require surgery in the coming weeks. Lea, a senior from Nashville, is expected to undergo surgery Tuesday to correct a right hand fracture. Dr. Doug Weikert will perform the procedure at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Booker started nine games at defensive end in 2003, ending the season with 30 total tackles and six quarterback hurries. Lea was a top reserve fullback and key contributor on special teams. He played in 10 games last season. Dossett played in five games at guard. Upcoming Schedule |
