Aug. 12, 2009
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Johnson’s Press Conference | Vierling Interview
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Vanderbilt offense took advantage of the team’s first full-contact practice Tuesday, getting impressive carries from several running backs in a situational scrimmage that capped the session.
After appearing to struggle against their defensive counterparts on Monday, the offense racked up four touchdowns during the scrimmage, including scoring passes from quarterbacks Larry Smith and Jared Funk and rushes by freshmen tailbacks Wesley Tate and Zac Stacy.
The fireworks came in the Commodores’ fifth practice of preseason camp, and its first in full gear. The team also worked for more than two hours in a steady drizzle, the first adverse weather conditions to date.
On Wednesday, the Commodores are expected to stage their first two-a-day practice, hoping to get in a morning session, then return late in the afternoon for another workout.
Afterward, Head Coach Bobby Johnson was impressed with the overall Commodore performance.
“I’m very pleased with what happened,” Johnson said. “We had some execution on offense and the defense got going after the first series. We also got to look at some young guys at the end.
“It being the first time, I thought we had a good scrimmage. It’s a whole different when you’ve got all the pads on and all the blocks are legal and all the hitting is legal,” the coach added.
The offensive staff had to like the work of their interior, a group that includes seven returnees with starting experience. The corps impressed as a unit, frequently opening holes for running backs eager to take advantage.
Five different tailbacks – juniors Kennard Reeves and Gaston Miller, and freshmen Wesley Tate, Zac Stacy and Warren Norman – posted impressive carries during the scrimmage. Tate’s 2-yard touchdown came after he gained 20 yards on a cutback rush where he dodged several defenders in the red zone. Stacy capped the scoring late with a 39-yard carry off tackle where he outraced defenders into the endzone. Reeves, Miller and Norman also posted first-down carries in the contact drill.
The passing touchdowns were of 20 yards (Smith to sophomore tight end Austin Monahan) and 14 yards (Funk to sophomore receiver Tray Herndon.
The practice also featured impressive plays by the Commodore defense. Sophomore Casey Hayward continued his strong camp with another athletic interception. Junior tackle Adam Smotherman, senior linebacker Brent Trice and freshman safety Jay Fullam registered tackles behind the line of scrimmage.
Dore Jam Coming This Sunday
Vanderbilt’s featured Fan Day activity, Dore Jam, is scheduled this Sunday at the John Rich Practice Facility. Since its inception in 2002, the event has drawn large crowds of Commodore fans eager to get autographs of their favorite Vanderbilt student-athletes and coaches. Activities for kids also are in abundance during the event.
Dore Jam is scheduled from 4-6 p.m., and is free of charge. Admission to the practice fields, located just behind McGugin Athletic Center, is available off Natchez Trace.