|
Productive Ground Attack Nets Offense Best Production of Spring at Saturday Scrimmage 4/2/2005 Just when the Commodore defense appeared to take control of the team’s scrimmage Saturday in Vanderbilt Stadium, the offense used a potent rushing attack to achieve its best results of Spring Practice. A ground attack led by Cassen Jackson-Garrison, Ron Bullock and Jeff Jennings produced five touchdowns during a 78-play scrimmage in the stadium. In both of the team’s earlier scrimmages this spring, the unit managed just a pair of touchdown drives. The Commodore defense also provided plenty of highlights despite allowing the points. The defense did not allow a first down in nine of 17 offensive possessions. Head Coach Bobby Johnson appeared pleased following the practice, saying the squad continued to play with the intensity and effort his coaches were seeking. “This spring, we tried to get our guys to play harder and faster. I think we have accomplished that. We have looked a lot quicker than in past years,” Johnson said. “I’ve said this a lot this spring, but I have been very pleased with the attitude of our team and how they have tried to get better.” The Commodores are not expected to return to Vanderbilt Stadium this spring. The squad is scheduled to conclude Spring Practice next week with its final three sessions at the John Rich Practice Facility. Bullock’s 26-yard touchdown run off left tackle provided the offensive spark, but it was a pair of sensational carries by Jackson-Garrison that opened the most eyes. Shortly after Bullock’s score, Jackson-Garrison took a pitch off right tackle, broke two tackles, dodged a pair of defenders and sprinted 50 yards into the end zone. Near the end of practice, Jackson-Garrison produced another outstanding carry, breaking three tackles during a 27-yard touchdown run. Jennings’ lone touchdown, a one-yard plunge, came during the drive that followed Jackson-Garrison’s second score. An impressive 25-yard carry by quarterback Steven Bright preceded Jennings’ plunge. The dual running and passing threat offered by quarterback Chris Nickson was responsible for the final touchdown. Directing the final drive, Nickson found receiver Bryant Anderson for a first down prior to scoring on a dazzling 14-yard rush. Several defenders were impressive during the scrimmage. Linebackers Moses Osemwegie and Kevin Joyce were involved in numerous plays, with Osemwegie deflecting a pair of passes and causing a fumble recovered by safety Ben Koger. On consecutive drives, cornerback Josh Allen intercepted a pass and knocked down another attempt to end a possession. Tackle Gabe Hall was a standout on the defensive front, contributing three tackles for loss, while end Herdley Harrison produced a sack and several tackles. |
