Aug. 8, 2008
Former VU star and current NFL standout Corey Chavous delivered an inspiring speech after Thursday’s practice.
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – After staging arguably their most enthusiastic practice of the preseason on Thursday, Commodore players got to hear from one of the greatest players of the team’s modern era.
Corey Chavous, a two-time All-Southeastern Conference defensive back with the Commodores in the mid-1990s and a 10-year veteran standout of the National Football League, addressed the squad at Head Coach Bobby Johnson’s invitation after the current Vanderbilt players capped a spirited practice with a 28-play scrimmage.
Chavous, in Nashville with the St. Louis Rams for three days of practice with the Tennessee Titans, visited the evening practice with Rams’ All-Pro teammate receiver Torry Holt. Afterward, while Chavous spoke to the team and talked individually with many Commodore players, Holt renewed his own friendships. A future NFL Hall of Fame candidate, Holt was mentored by current Vanderbilt offensive coaches Charlie Fisher, Robbie Caldwell, Jimmy Kiser and Ted Cain while a standout receiver at North Carolina State.
Chavous, regarded as one of the NFL’s smartest players, told the Commodores he – like many of his former Vanderbilt teammates – were following the current squad closely, believing they had the ability and determination to become the first bowl-eligible Commodore squad in more than two decades.
Telling the players to “cherish your time here,” Chavous urged the squad to do something he and his teammates were unable to do. “We got close and didn’t get it done, and I think about it all the time. All of you have a great opportunity in front of you, to do something that hasn’t been done in a long time. Imagine having the satisfaction of being remembered for the rest of your life as a part of first Vanderbilt team to go to a bowl since 1982.
“I look around and wish we had the talent I saw tonight back when I played. I know you have great coaches to help you reach your goals. Just know that I’m playing through you, just like so many other former guys that have been here. And I know in my heart you can do it,” Chavous added.
Afterward, Johnson praised Chavous’ encouraging pep talk. Their relationship dates back to the early 1990s when Johnson tried hard to lure Chavous to Furman after his high school career in Aiken, S.C.
“It was a great, great message. He talked about how close he came, yet how he still wishes it had happened to him and his teammates at Vanderbilt. Corey just did a fantastic job. Every Commodore fan can take tremendous pride in such a great young man,” Johnson said.
The Commodores will return to the John Rich Practice Field Friday night, then go to Vanderbilt Stadium Saturday for a full scrimmage.
Thursday Scrimmage Notes
With Chavous and Holt watching, several Commodores stood out in an enthusiastic 28-play scrimmage that concluded practice.
The defense opened in solid fashion with linebacker Chris Marve (R-Fr., Memphis) putting a jarring tackle on tailback Gaston Miller (R-So., Murfreesboro, Tenn.), and linemen Greg Billinger (Jr., Lilburn, Ga.) and Steven Stone (R-Jr., Conway, Ark.) stuffing a second-down rush to force a third-and-long situation.
Receiver John Cole (Somerset, Ky.) produced offensive fireworks in the second series, hauling in a 58-yard pass from Jared Funk (R-So., Long Grove, Ill.) between three defenders. As impressive as Cole’s catch appeared, it was one-upped four plays later when cornerback D.J. Moore (Jr., Spartanburg, S.C.) went high over intended receiver Udom Umoh (R-Fr., Fort Valley, Ga.) to grab a one-handed interception.
After a defensed pass by cornerback Jared Fagan (Waldorf, Md.) and tackle for loss by end Broderick Stewart (R-Jr., Newnan, Ga.), the offense got on track during the sixth possession with Miller finding a seam off left tackle, going 47 yards for a touchdown.
The scrimmage concluded with three red-zone situations. Starting from the 5-yard line, the offense scored twice, using a bruising 3-yard run by tailback Ryan van Rensburg (R-Fr., Jacksonville, Fla.) and a 5-yard scamper by quarterback Chris Nickson (R-Sr., Brundidge, Ala.).
Other Commodore Notes
– Offensive co-captain and starting receiver George Smith (R-Sr., Pembroke Pines, Fla.) underwent successful surgery Thursday morning on his right foot at Vanderbilt Medical Center and is expected to make a full recovery. He is expected to miss up to four weeks of practice.
– Punter Brett Upson (Jr., Griffin, Ga.) arrived on campus after missing the first five days with a stomach ailment that doctors have yet to diagnose. Coach Johnson said Upson would not practice before being cleared by the Vanderbilt medical staff. On Thursday, Bryant Hahnfeldt (Sr., Nashville) and Richard Kent (Fr., Marietta, Ga.) handled the team’s punt responsibilities.
– Receiver Jamie Graham (R-Fr., Nashville) missed contact drills Thursday after overheating Tuesday, but Coach Johnson said he was expected to participate in the scrimmage Saturday.
Dore Jam Coming Sunday, August 17
Dore Jam 2008, the Commodores’ annual fan day activity, is scheduled Sunday, Aug. 17, from 4-6 p.m., at the team’s practice facility. The event features player autographs, kids games and attractions, and representation by student-athletes of several Commodore sports. This year, the team will also unveil its new Nike uniforms, with pant and jersey combinations available in white, gold and black.