Football Preseason Camp Report- 8/6/06

Football Preseason Camp Report- 8/6/06

8/6/2006

On Campus in Nashville (Day 3) – The Commodores pushed their way closer to full contact Sunday, staging their initial 11-on-11 work of preseason camp.

During a session held under the lights at the Rich Practice Facility, Vanderbilt Head Coach Bobby Johnson put the Commodores through a 30-minute 11-on-11 work that featured hitting along the interior fronts but prohibited tackling. The squad donned shoulder pads during the practice for the first time in camp.

Fans get their final opportunity to watch a Commodore preseason practice today. Starting Tuesday, as the squad goes into full pads and works toward the Sept. 2 opener at Michigan, practice sessions are closed to the public.

Johnson was upbeat about the Commodores following their practice Sunday.

“Putting the pads on sure makes it look more like a football practice. Overall, I thought we practiced fast and worked at a good speed. Our practice tempo continues to be very good,” Johnson said. “I’ll be excited to see the guys getting after it in full pads. We’ll be able to tell a lot more about our guys as we get into contact.”

The Commodores spent the first hour of practice concentrating on special team units and position technique. Multiple periods were also reserved on one-on-one drills between receivers and defensive backs, and the interior lines. The squad spent 30 minutes in team teaching prior to closing with the 11-on-11 workout.

Early Standouts on Defense Front
If praise from coaches can be used as a preseason barometer, junior Curtis Gatewood is making a statement in his first full camp at defensive end. Gatewood, who missed Spring Practice due to injury, entered preseason camp in the best shape of his life, weighing 245 pounds, almost 20 more than a year ago. In the first three practices, Johnson and new defensive line coach Rick Logo have praised Gatewood for his effort and agility at end, where he hopes to replace graduated starter Herdley Harrison.

The Commodores’ other end, senior starter Chris Booker, has performed consistently through the early practices, and appears solid across from Gatewood. Logo has also directed praise at a pair of promising redshirt freshmen ends, Broderick Stewart and Steven Stone.

Junior tackle Theo Horrocks also appears to have accepted a greater leadership role on the defensive front, while junior Gabe Hall reported to practice in the best shape of his Commodore career. Hall is expected to compete for the second starting tackle position with senior Ray Brown, who is likely to make his first preseason appearance Monday.

Bennett Misses Much of Sunday Practice
All-SEC wide receiver Earl Bennett missed the second part of practice Sunday after pulling up with a muscle pull while running a deep sideline route in 7-on-7 drills.

Johnson gave no timetable for Bennett’s return to practice. “It’s one of those injuries where you just have to wait and see how Earl progresses. We’ll probably have a better idea on his status in a couple days, but it also gives our other receivers a chance to step forward. We have talent at the position,” the head coach said.

Upcoming Practice Schedule
The Commodores will stage single practices Monday-Friday, then begin hold their first two-a-day session on Saturday, Aug. 12. The team is expected to be off the field Sunday, Aug. 13, to participate in Dore Jam activities at the John Rich Complex.

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!