Football Preseason Camp Report – 8/11/06

Football Preseason Camp Report – 8/11/06

8/11/2006

John Rich Practice Complex on campus (Aug. 11) — The Commodores staged a lengthy practice in steady rain Friday in preparation for the start of two-a-day drills.

Dodging thunderstorms, Head Coach Bobby Johnson put the Commodores through a two-hour, 30-minute practice Friday afternoon. The squad practiced through a 30-minute downpour early in the session, then departed the practice complex as a second heavy rain fell.

The rain kept temperatures down on Friday, one day after the Commodores were unable to practice due to a series of strong thunderstorms over Nashville.

Wearing shoulder pads and shorts, the Commodores stressed team teaching, special teams work and individual position drills Friday, with the squad expected to move into two-a-day practices Saturday. The second session Saturday, scheduled in Vanderbilt Stadium, is expected to include the team’s first preseason scrimmage.

“This was a very good practice. This practice helped us prepare for a game played in poor weather conditions. Overall, I thought we dealt with the wet conditions pretty well, maintaining our focus and concentration,” Johnson said.

Upcoming Practice Schedule
After practicing twice Saturday, the Commodores are expected to be off Sunday, then return to the practice field on two sessions Monday.

Fox Sports Net, Turner South Airing Vanderbilt Preview
A 30-minute preview on the 2006 Commodores, featuring interviews with Johnson, offensive tackle Brian Stamper and linebacker Jonathan Goff, and action clips from last year, will air on four occasions this week across the Southeast.

Fox Sports Net South will present the Commodore preview on Monday, Aug. 14 at 8:30 p.m. It will air later on Turner South at the following times: Wed., Aug. 18, 9:30 p.m.; Thurs., Aug. 17, 1:30 p.m., and Sun., Aug. 20, 9:30 p.m.

Dore Jam V
The team’s official Fan Day activity, Dore Jam V, offers a great chance for Commodore fans to meet their favorite Vanderbilt student-athletes. The free event is scheduled this Sunday, from 4-6 p.m., at the John Rich Practice Complex.

Besides getting autographs and talking with favorite Commodore football players, young Vanderbilt fans can try their hands at other Vanderbilt varsity sports, including golf, baseball, bowling and likely track and field activities. Athletes and coaches from several Commodore squads are expected to participate.

Kids visiting the event have plenty of free entertainment options, from an inflatable Bounce House and Giant Slide to receiving special Commodore hats. Visitors can also register for an opportunity to win various prizes, from an authentic Commodore jersey to a signed football by Coach Johnson. A Commodore team poster featuring the 2006 football schedule will be free to all in attendance. Free hot dogs and soft drinks also will be provided to the first 1,000 patrons.

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!