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Johnson Opens Commodore Preseason Camp With Largest Contingent of Prospects in Years 8/9/2005 On Campus in Nashville – When the whistle blew Monday afternoon signalling the start of Vanderbilt’s preseason camp, one thing was obvious to Head Coach Bobby Johnson. The number of potential Commodores was significantly up. Johnson welcomed 103 players for camp, the largest opening day roster at Vanderbilt since George MacIntyre guided the Commodore program in the mid- 1980s. ?Last year, 94 prospects participated in the preseason drills. “I noticed more players, that’s for sure. That’s a good thing for our program,” Johnson said. “I’d like to think that we have more guys that want to be a part of our program. I know one thing, since I started coaching, I’ve had a lot of great players who began by walking on.” The preseason roster included 38 newcomers, the highest Commodore total in nearly two decades. The first practice for the Commodores was a two-hour, 30-minute session staged in overcast and mild conditions, especially considering the recent heat wave that has gripped the region. ?The players were prohibited from full contact and did not wear full gear in the session. Afterward, Commodore Head Coach Bobby Johnson said he was pleased with the intensity and eagerness his squad displayed in the drills. “For being the first day out, I really liked what I saw from the guys. Overall, the energy level was very good,” Johnson said. “I’m really just glad to get back on the field and see what the guys can do. We’re going to find out a lot more about them as camp progresses, but I pleased with our first practice.” Both units went to work before stretching began at 6:15 p.m. The session started with individual instruction and position drills, and incorporated special teams work before concluding with a lengthy 11-on-11 team teaching drill. The non-contact period was devoted heavily to position coaches reinforcing correct techniques and reads, with the “A” and “B” units of both the offense and defense getting numerous repetitions. Practice Visitors Representatives of most media outlets in the area were present for the practice, including the four Nashville television stations, local sports radio personality Bill King, and beat writers from the Nashville Tennessean and Nashville City Paper. Among the visitors watching from the sidelines were several recent Commodore football players, including 2004 starters Brian Kovolisky (offensive line) and Robert Dinwiddie (defensive line). Kenan Arkan, an offensive line starter in 2003 but injured in 2004, also watched. Upcoming Schedule The Commodores are expected to stage their second practice Tuesday, starting at 6:15 p.m. The practice is open to the public, as is the squad’s Wednesday afternoon session. Starting Thursday, Vanderbilt practices will be closed to the public. The squad is expected to move into full pads by Friday and begin two-a-day workouts this weekend. Dore Jam IV, the official Fan Day for Commodore athletics, is scheduled Sunday afternoon at the John Rich Complex. Several additional Commodore athletic programs will participate in the two-hour free event that includes a variety of kids attractions, activities, prize giveaways and autographs from your favorite Commodore player and coach. |
