Aug. 7, 2011
On campus in Nashville – One day after opening preseason camp with a methodical workout, the Commodores were anything but ordinary Saturday. When the energetic session ended, Head Coach James Franklin praised the players.
“That was the best practice we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Franklin said. “They were flying around, fighting through some adversity and encouraging each other. Today was a step in the right direction.”
The practice atmosphere on Saturday was far different from Friday, when Franklin methodically slowed the tempo to allow freshmen and walk-ons to grasp the team’s practice routine and coaches to introduce and expand playbook schemes.
Practicing under milder temperatures Saturday, the players responded when Franklin asked for more energy and focus. The team began with brisk individual and position drills, sprinted across the FieldTurf and natural grass surfaces at John Rich Practice Facility for team teaching, then staged an impressive 11-on-11 session that featured an array of impressive individual plays and few mental mistakes. As a capper, the players finished a series of 100-yard wind sprints, with many older Commodores encouraging their younger teammates.
Afterward, virtually every player went straight for ice baths located next to the field.
“It was a big improvement from the first day. It was a little bit cooler but we practiced a lot harder, faster … we had guys cramping and they fought through it. I saw some really good signs today of toughness,” Franklin said.
The Commodores will rest today, and participate in the annual Dore Jam Fan Day, scheduled at the Rich Practice Facility from 4-6 p.m. The event is free and brings fans a chance to get player and coach autographs and enjoy plenty of activities for kids attractions.
Practice Highlights
– Quarterbacks Larry Smith and Jordan Rodgers threw efficiently, with Smith showing excellent touch on his passes. He completed several deep patterns, including one to wide receiver Jordan Matthews.
– Cornerback Casey Hayward deflected consecutive passes, and knocked down a third in the 11-on-11 session.
– Defenders cheered cornerback Eddie Foster at the close of a 7-on-7 session when he intercepted the final pass.
– Both freshmen running backs, Jerron Seymour and Mitchell Hester, displayed excellent bursts and downfield acceleration. Veteran back Zac Stacy also impressed, making solid reads and quick cuts to elude tacklers.
– Defensive tackles Rob Lohr and T.J. Greenstone frequently forced quick quarterback decisions with pressure. Lohr also batted down a quick slant pass from Smith.
– Several offensive linemen, including Ryan Seymour, Wesley Johnson, Kyle Fischer and Mylon Brown, opened holes in the 11-on-11 session.
– Safety Javon Marshall, recently moved from cornerback during the summer, showed a nose for the ball and was in position to make numerous plays over the middle.
Former Players Visiting Practice
Franklin greeted several former Commodore players watching the session, including Theo Horrocks, Sean Walker, Brian Gruber, Kennard Reeves and Richard Freeman.
Back to Work Monday
The Commodores will return to practice Monday afternoon for a third acclimation session in limited gear. The team’s first session in full gear is scheduled Tuesday afternoon.