Aug. 11, 2009
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Watch Coach Johnson’s Monday Press Conference
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – With four days of preparation in the books, the Commodores will begin full contact drills Tuesday night at the John Rich Practice Facility.
Head Coach Bobby Johnson told the media Monday that the Commodores “were going to play some real football” during the squad’s next practice. “We’ll be in full pads and get an opportunity to tell exactly where we are.”
Johnson said the Commodores would see some situational scrimmage work Tuesday.
On Monday, the Commodores conducted a two-hour, 15-minute workout in shoulder pads, helmet and shorts for the second straight day. The workout allowed the squad to fulfill the NCAA rule that mandates an acclimation before moving to full dress.
“I think the guys are ready to put the pads on and hit,” Johnson said. “As a team, we’ve been going hard trying to get better, but nothing can take the place of real football. I’m looking forward to seeing how we compete Tuesday.
For much of the practice Monday, the Commodore defense seemed to hold the upper hand, but Johnson dismissed any defensive advantage.
“(The defense) has a lot of pride, they’re active, going hard and bringing a lot of pressure,” the coach said. “When they come screaming up the middle, our guys can’t block them live. So it sort of makes the offense look bad, worse than they are.”
The offense rebounded late behind senior quarterback Mackenzi Adams, who completed red-zone touchdown passes to receivers Collin Ashley and Turner Wimberly in the closing stages.
Prior to the late offensive display, the defense appeared in control. For much of the 11-on-11 segment, the defense stiffened, using key plays by senior end Steven Stone, linebacker Nate Campbell and freshman tackle Rob Lohr. Earlier in the practice, sophomore cornerback Casey Hayward and senior counterpart Myron Lewis continued their impressive play in 1-on-1 passing drills.
Commodores Will Play Without Jeffers-Harris
After practice, Johnson announced that junior wide receiver Terence Jeffers-Harris would not play for the Commodores this season.
“(Jeffers-Harris) is not going to be eligible due to NCAA rules and will not be available to play for the Commodores this year,” Johnson said. “He will not be in school at Vanderbilt. Obviously, he’s a very good player, but he is going to have to go elsewhere.”
Jeffers-Harris transferred to Vanderbilt one year ago after playing two seasons at the University of Connecticut where he posted 61 career catches good for 782 yards and seven touchdowns.