Aug. 12, 2008
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Commodores started their second week of practice with their initial two-a-day workout Monday on campus.
Head Coach Bobby Johnson liked the enthusiasm his squad displayed in a pair of 2-hour, 20-minute sessions at the John Rich Practice Facility. The Commodores practiced in ideal temperatures.
“We received a tremendous break with the weather and really took advantage of it. I thought we got a great deal accomplished in both practices,” Johnson said. “After having Sunday off, the guys came back in good spirits.
“I thought this morning was one of the best practices we’ve had so far. Our energy level was very high,” Johnson added.
Neither of the sessions were staged in full gear. Instead, Johnson focused on playbook installation, individual and team drills, and special teams.
Redshirt senior Chris Nickson and redshirt junior Mackenzi Adams continued to alternate at quarterback with the first unit. Sophomore Jared Funk and redshirt freshman Larry Smith swapped snaps as signal caller with the second group. Another position with stiff competition in the first week of camp is tailback where redshirt senior Jeff Jennings and redshirt junior Jared Hawkins continue to do work with the first group.
Music is Talk of the Day
While Johnson bragged about the attitude and effort of his players, media representatives were talking about the coach’s decision to introduce music to the Commodores’ practice routine.
For the first time in Johnson’s Vanderbilt tenure, Commodore players were greeted by music blaring from speakers mounted on a centrally positioned camera tower. The music, a mixture of rock, rap, country and classic rock, continued through the team’s normal stretch routine and first 15 minutes of practice.
“We hoped it would get them in a good mood, and ready to practice. Everybody seemed to like it, so maybe it worked,” Johnson joked, saying he even added a personal favorite – the James Gang’s classic “Funk 49” – to the play list.
Other Practice Notes
– Several Commodores missed the session due to minor injuries suffered in the team’s first full scrimmage on Saturday. Among those kept out of drills were linebacker Chris Marve, cornerback Alan Strong and Jared Fagan, tight end Brandon Barden and tailback Ryan van Rensburg. Others who remain out are receiver George Smith, linebacker Brandon Bryant and punter Brett Upson.
– The squad is expected to hold one session on Tuesday, followed by its second two-a-day practices on Wednesday.
Dore Jam Coming Sunday, August 17
Dore Jam 2008, the Commodores’ annual fan day activity, is scheduled Sunday, August 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. On Sunday, the team will also unveil its new Nike uniforms, with pant and jersey combinations available in white, gold and black.