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Johnson Pleased with Commodores’ First Spring Practice 3/16/2005 Winter-like Weather Greets Vanderbilt Returnees John Rich Practice Facility, Vanderbilt University – Though the first Commodore spring practice felt a lot like winter ball Tuesday, Head Coach Bobby Johnson wasn’t about to complain. After putting nearly 70 returnees through a 2-hour, 30-minute practice, Johnson was happy with the players’ effort and focus. “It’s just good to get back out and get a close look at the guys. We know they’ve been working hard (in offseason conditioning), but the guys brought a lot of energy and purpose to the practice field.” The Commodores were greeted by winter-like conditions, with snow flurries and temperatures in the mid-30s by the conclusion of practice. The head coach even saw some good in the weather. “Sometimes you have to play games in weather like this, so it’s good to practice in it. Practicing in weather like this can help guys stay focused and get better.” The practice did not include contact drills. The players wore shorts, cleats and minimal pads, and are not expected to move into full pads until Thursday afternoon. In an effort to improve the program, Johnson and his staff spent extra time evaluating both player personnel and their approach to coaching the squad. The practice revealed changes in both areas. Through the practice, several Commodores participated at new positions. A pair of rising seniors, Herdley Harrison and Andrew Pace, worked at defensive end and cornerback, respectively. Harrison started at outside linebacker a year ago while Pace was a starting safety. Other players working at potentially new positions were Marcus Buggs and Darnell Martemus, safety to linebacker; Funtaine Hunter, linebacker at safety; Lamar Divens, defensive end to defensive tackle; and Ronnie Swoopes, safety to receiver. The coaches also altered the team’s practice routine. A decision to break up the lengthy team-teaching drill with a series of brief individual position work appeared to result in an overall quickened practice pace. Hillenmeyer Watches Practice Chicago Bears linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer, a Commodore All-SEC performer in Johnson’s first year at Vanderbilt, visited the practice. Hillenmeyer, a 2002 National Scholar-Athlete Award winner, has been using Vanderbilt’s facilities as a workout hub as he prepares for a third season with the Bears. The Nashville native became a defensive starter and solid contributor for the Bears last year when All-Pro performer Brian Urlacher was injured. More NFL News Regarding Former Commodores Matt Stewart, one of several outstanding linebackers that Hillenmeyer learned from early in his Commodore career, signed a three-year contract Monday with the Cleveland Browns. Stewart, a fourth-round draft choice in 2001, spent the last four years with Atlanta. Last year, he started 16 games at outside linebacker, including both Falcon playoff games. He ended the season as the teams’s second leading tackler. Stewart and Hillenmeyer are among a group of five former Commodore linebackers currently playing in the NFL. The others are Shelton Quarles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jamie Duncan of the Falcons, and Jamie Winborn of the San Francisco 49ers. |
