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Commodore Practice Intensity Picking Up As First Full-Pad Practice Approaches 8/11/2005 On Campus in Nashville, Tenn. – As the first day in full pads approaches, Commodore players got a taste of their first contact this preseason during a spirited practice Wednesday. Wearing shoulder pads for the first time, the Commodores picked up the preseason intensity with a series of one-on-one drills and 30 minutes of 11-on-11 work. The team also spent considerable time working with various special teams, including kickoff coverage and return units and field goals. Head Coach Bobby Johnson left the John Rich Practice Complex pleased with the effort, and anxious about the coming days when his squad moves into full pads. “Overall, we have a lot of guys going hard, trying to get better and showing our coaches they want to get on the field,” Johnson said. “While we’re going to find out much more in the days ahead, this practice gives us a lot to evaluate and work on.” The Commodores will practice Thursday afternoon in shoulder pads and shorts, then conduct their first full-pad session on Friday. Johnson plans to get two-a-day practices started Saturday morning. Players Visit Children’s Hospital Prior to the Wednesday practice, 13 Commodore upperclassmen led by senior captains Jay Cutler and Moses Osemwegie spent an hour talking with young patients at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. The players signed autographs and visited with patients on three floors of the hospital. Joining Cutler and Osemwegie were seniors Erik Davis, Dustin Dunning, Herdley Harrison, Ryan King, Kelechi Ohanaja, Andrew Pace, Ronnie Swoopes and Otis Washington, and juniors Ben Koger, Kevin Joyce and Brian Stamper. Dore Jam IV Scheduled This Sunday With practices now closed until the season opener Sept. 1 at Wake Forest, the team’s official Fan Day activity, Dore Jam IV, offers a perfect opportunity for Commodore fans and youngsters to meet their favorite Vanderbilt student-athlete. Dore Jam IV is a free event scheduled from 4-6 p.m., Sunday, at the Rich Complex. Besides the possibility of getting autographs and talking with the Commodore football players, young Vanderbilt fans can try their hands at kicking soccer balls, running hurdles and throwing baseballs with various Vanderbilt student-athletes and coaches. Kids visiting the event have plenty of entertainment options, including face tattoos and balloon art. A special Bungee Power Jump will also be offered for the first time, without charge. Besides the kids attractions, prize and poster giveaways are planned. Commodore fans can also purchase the SEC’s lowest season ticket offer and the 2005 Vanderbilt football media guide at the event. |
