Aug. 11, 2007
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Preseason Central | Buy Season Tickets | Nashville Night vs. Richmond
Nashville, Tenn. – The Commodores concluded their first practice in full pads Friday night with a 35-play scrimmage that featured highlights from both offensive and defensive players.
Head Coach Bobby Johnson liked what he saw from the 30-minute scrimmage that included five total series directly by quarterbacks Chris Nickson and Mackenzi Adams. The scrimmage included one touchdown drive, several jarring defensive hits, impressive carries by a trio of tailbacks and another 16-play possession that ended with an interception in the end zone.
Johnson restricted tackling during the two-hour, 30-minute practice to the scrimmage segment, instead focusing on special teams work, individual instruction and playbook development for much of the session.
“You can’t come out and tackle the whole practice; you won’t have any players left…and it was the first time we’ve played tackle football since March,” Johnson said. “We started a little slowly, but I thought they got the hang of it.
“I thought the enthusiasm and the energy from our guys was very good. Some of the younger guys did some good things, but I also was very impressed with some of our veterans who are showing lots of improvement,” the head coach added.
Adams directed an impressive 16-play offensive drive, a though it ended with freshman cornerback Jamie Graham intercepting a Adams’ pass in the end zone. The drive featured a 15-yard run by tailback Gaston Miller and 17-yard, first-down completion from Adams to receiver Justin Wheeler.
The defense held their counterparts without a first down in the first two possessions, using a pass deflection by cornerback D.J. Moore and tackle for loss by defensive end Kikko Logan to halt the drives.
Other scrimmage highlights included:
Safety Reshard Langford put a jarring shot on Brad Allen, though the tight end held on the pass from Nickson for a 11-yard gain and a first down.
Tailback Jeff Jennings continued his excellent showing in camp, making impressive cuts on a pair of carries in the final possession. Jennings was particularly impressive on a 15-yard first down carry when he dodged the first defender, then gained several yards after the initial contact.
Tailback Jared Hawkins ran hard inside the tackles. He broke two tackles on his last carry that resulted in an eight-yard touchdown.
Cornerback Alan Strong applied a strong tackle on tailback Cassen Jackson-Garrison after the initial hit by fellow cornerback Myron Lewis.
Dore Jam Offers Family Fun on Sunday
The team’s official Fan Day activity, Dore Jam VI, is scheduled for Sunday at the Rich Complex. The free event starts at 4 p.m., continuing until 6 p.m.
Coach Johnson and the entire Commodore squad will be available for autographs at the event. Schedule posters will be distributed without charge.
In addition, several other Commodore teams, including soccer and baseball, will be represented. The event also features a variety of kids attractions, ticket drawings, and live entertainment.