Football Preseason Camp Report- 8/5/06

Football Preseason Camp Report- 8/5/06

8/5/2006

On Campus in Nashville (Day 2) — If early indications mean anything, Earl Bennett isn’t planning to rest on his remarkable freshman laurels.

In a two-hour, 30-minute session that included lengthy individual fundamental instruction and team teaching segments, Bennett stole the show, bringing both Commodore teammates and fans to applause with a series of dazzling plays.

Aside from Bennett’s display, the Commodores showed excellent energy and concentration during Coach Bobby Johnson’s second preseason practice. The squad spent much of the practice installing the offensive playbook, expanding defensive schemes and working with special teams.

“We’re still just getting started, but I thought the overall tempo was excellent, really good,” Johnson said. “The guys are working hard, trying to make an impression and trying to get better. As a team, we got a lot accomplished tonight.”

Bennett, a preseason All-America candidate at wide receiver, served notice that he plans to build on a 2005 season when he established new freshman team records with 79 catches, 876 receiving yards and nine touchdown catches. A preseason first team All-SEC pick by both coaches and media, the product of Birmingham, Ala. nabbed everything thrown his way.

Two plays by Bennett in 7-on-7 drills drew awe from spectators. After making a short catch, two quick jukes by Bennett left a defender ideally positioned in his tracks. Later in the practice, the audience burst into cheers when Bennett laid out between three defenders to make a sensational diving catch over the middle.

Prior to the practice, Bennett said he intended to improve in all phases during preseason camp. “I can get a lot better in every area. I’m working on running better routes, becoming a better blocker, whatever I can do to make this team better,” the sophomore said.

Bennett was one of several receivers to stand out Saturday. During the practice, Marlon White, George Smith, Bryant Anderson, Sean Walker, Alex Washington and Justin Wheeler earned praise from teammates after outstanding catches.

The team’s three leading candidates at quarterback — Chris Nickson, Mackenzi Adams and Richard Kovalcheck — appeared to gain confidence as the practice developed, frequently hitting receivers with crisp, accurate passes.

Camp Brings Busy Schedule for Players, Coaches
For Commodore players and coaches, a day of the preseason camp is much more involved than a single practice. On most days, the practice concludes a long day of meetings, meals and conditioning.

On Saturday, players received a 6:30 a.m. wake up call in their dorms. Following breakfast in the Hendrix Room, a team meeting, position meetings and 45 minutes of weight training were held before lunch. After a two-hour break, players returned to McGugin Center for a minimum of two position meetings prior to practice.

Upcoming Practice Schedule
The Commodores’ next two practices — Sunday and Monday — are open to fans. Each practice will start at 6 p.m. Commodore followers should enter the Rich Practice Complex through the Natchez Trace entrance.

Dore Jam Offers Family Fun on Aug. 13
The team’s official Fan Day activity, Dore Jam, is scheduled Sunday, Aug. 13, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Rich Complex. The free, two-hour activity will feature representatives of several other Commodore athletic programs besides the football squad. Activities include a variety of kids attractions, prize and poster giveaways, and autographs from your favorite Commodore players and coaches.

Vanderbilt season tickets, the least expensive in the Southeastern Conference, are available for the six home games. Packages start at $80. The Commodore home opener is against Arkansas on Sept. 16. Other home games include Tennessee State on Sept. 23, Temple on Sept. 30, South Carolina on Oct. 21, Florida on Nov. 4 and Tennessee on Nov. 18. Click here to purchase season tickets!