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Johnson Pleased With Saturday Scrimmage 8/21/2004
Johnson Pleased With Saturday Scrimmage On Campus in Nashville — Commodore Head Coach Bobby Johnson departed Vanderbilt Stadium Saturday pleased with the overall performance of his squad after a 90-minute scrimmage. “I felt like our offense executed pretty well. I saw them make very few penalties and we didn’t have an interception,” Johnson said. “We also had some good things happen on defense and got a chance to work with some young guys. We’ll study the film and try to make the necessary corrections. Overall, I thought we accomplished some pretty good things.” The Commodore offense began impressively, taking the opening drive 70 yards for a 10-play touchdown drive. Senior tailback Norval McKenzie had 15 rushing yards and junior quarterback Jay Cutler hooked up with junior receiver Erik Davis and sophomore tight end Jonathan Loyte to sustain the drive. The touchdown came on a superb, 19-yard reception by sophomore receiver Marlon White. Cutler was effective throughout the scrimmage, though Johnson limited his activity in order to see more of sophomore Steven Bright and freshman Chris Nickson. Cutler was 7-of-7 for 61 yards and a touchdown. The defense responded immediately, holding the offense without points in the next five possessions. Key plays by redshirt freshman linebacker Jonathan Goff, sophomore linebackers Funtaine Hunter and Kevin Joyce, redshirt freshman Marcus Buggs and redshirt freshman defensive end Greg Jacobs helped the Commodore defense slow their counterparts. Bright helped the offense get back on track, connecting with White and senior receiver Chris Young to start a 50-yard scoring drive. Bright also found Davis and Loyte for first down catches before Young caught a 15-yard touchdown reception. Bright also connected with senior receiver Brandon Smith on a long touchdown pass and directed another scoring possession culminated by a four-yard carry by sophomore fullback Ron Bullock. Freshman fullback Zach Logan finished the scoring with a 20-yard touchdown carry. The coaching staff used the final eight possessions to get a close look at the younger Commodores. Among the newcomers making positive impressions on offense were freshman quarterback Chris Nickson, freshman tailbacks Jeff Jennings and Cassen Jackson-Garrison and freshman center Hamilton Holliday. Defensively, several freshmen impressed, including defensive ends Theo Horrocks and David Carter, cornerback Josh Allen and defensive tackle Gabe Hall. Bullock was the leading rusher with 83 yards on six carries. Jackson-Garrison and Jennings followed with 38 and 34 yards, respectively. Three receivers – Loyte, Young and Davis – hauled in three catches. Eleven different receivers had catches in the session. Upcoming Practice Schedule The Commodores will return to the John Rich Practice Complex on Monday after an off day Sunday. |
