March 31, 2010
2010 Football Ticket Information
On Campus in Nashville – The full-contact theme of Vanderbilt’s spring drills didn’t change as the Commodores entered their third week of practice Tuesday.
Head Coach Bobby Johnson put the Commodores through a physical, two-hour workout under the lights at John Rich Practice Facility that featured a 55-play, 13-possession scrimmage.
Another trend of these Commodore practices – strong defensive play – continued Tuesday, though the offense closed by scoring three touchdowns and producing some of its most effective spring possessions.
Late touchdowns by h-back Ryan van Rensburg, receiver Trey Herndon and tailback Kennard Reeves gave the offense something to build on after the Commodore defense controlled the opening six possessions. Several of the early drives were stopped by a combination of outstanding defensive plays and mental errors by the offense.
“Overall, our football team is working hard, but we have to do a better job with our fundamentals and concentration,” Johnson said. “All of us know that proper fundamentals, doing things the way you’re taught to do them, is critical to the success of our football team.
“Football depends on 11 guys working as a unit, offensively and defensively. Everybody has to take pride in doing their job, on every play. That’s how our team will win games. The next time we’re on the field, we’ll work to get better in those areas.
The Commodores will hold their eighth spring practice Friday afternoon, gearing toward the featured Black & Gold Scrimmage on April 10.
The defense came up with four turnovers early in the scrimmage: acrobatic interceptions by safety Sean Richardson and cornerbacks Eric Samuels and Trey Wilson, and a fumble recovery by end Thad McHaney after Taylor Loftley’s punishing tackle.
Tailback Zac Stacy helped the offense get untracked with a 19-yard rush to the 1-yard line, with van Rensburg scoring two plays later on a dive off guard. Stacy’s 18-yard rush later in the session resulted in a 2-yard touchdown pass from Jared Funk to Herndon. The final offensive score came on Reeves’ 2-yard rush.
Among other highlights from the scrimmage:
– Two tackles for loss by safety Jay Fullam that resulted in unsuccessful third-down plays by the offense;
– A 6-yard sack by McHaney of quarterback Charlie Goro, coming after two offensive first downs, that forced third and long.
– Tackles for loss by end Walker May and linebacker Chris Marve on consecutive possessions.
– Impressive receptions of 13 and 16 yards by tight end Mason Johnston from Larry Smith and Goro, respectively, that resulted in first downs.
– Catch over the middle in heavy traffic by wideout Turner Wimberly that resulted in a first down.