Aug. 26, 2011
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Joe Fisher’s Mailbag Submit Your Question Wondering about a player, a game or another topic involving the Commodores? The Voice of the Commodores Joe Fisher will answer a variety of questions from fans during the season on VUcommodores.com. |
Joe – Why don’t colleges have open practices like the NFL? I always jump at the chance to attend the very few open practices at Vandy, and go to many of the Titans practices. If the NFL lets fans come, why not college teams? I’m not singling out Vandy because I know it’s common among most college teams.
— Jeff W. (Ashland City, Tenn.)
Most NFL teams open their pre-season practices, but will shut them down as the season gets closer. Coach Franklin opened one of our practices in pre-season camp as well, but as you said, it’s pretty common to close practice. In this new age of social media, it’s too easy for news of something tried at practice or an injury to be spread very quickly. Margins are too thin between success and failure in college football to give away anything more than a game film will show for an opponent. Also, remember, practice is their office. It’s work time for them, and I think a closed practice setting allows maximum ability to focus on the task at hand.
Joe – Great work by you and your team! Two of the most disappointing aspects of last year’s team were the inability to hit field goals/extra points and the length of time it took to get plays off. They seemed very confused. Do you anticipate improvement in these areas this year? VU may not be the most athletic team, but must deliver in these two areas.
— Jeff (Memphis, Tenn.)
I agree too many times last season we found ourselves rushing to get a play snapped in time. It was part of the scenario of lining up, then looking to the sideline for the play to be called after seeing the defensive alignment. You’ll see some of that scenario again this year, but Coach Franklin and his staff have emphasized breaking the huddle quickly to get to the line to allow the maximum amount of time to adjust.
In regard to field goals and extra points, Ryan Fowler and Carey Spear have had a nice duel for the placekicking chores this season, and I think that area will be improved. I just hope we get more chances than last year. Ryan only attempted 13 field goals all of last season.
My son and ticket partner went to the CWS, go to some away basketball games, and one away football game a year. At home games we stay tuned in to you while in our seats. What can be done to pick up your broadcast in foreign territory? Contract with local station for the game only? Have a “short” broadcast system in the stadium?
— Sam T. Harper (Tullahoma, Tenn.)
If you have an iPhone, there are apps available where you can pick up radio stations from all over the country wherever you are. That would be your best shot. Markets face exclusivity issues regarding a broadcast, or a single-game contract isn’t practical.
Who will be the starting QB for this coming season? And where does Jordan Rodgers come in? Just as the case with Aaron, both are constantly being overlooked as far as talent…should be a no-brainer for Jordan to start!
— Ricky (TriCities, Wash.)
Obviously, the quarterback issue has been one of the hot topics in preseason. It’s easy for fans like us to speculate, but you have to remember, coaches see every play of every practice and every film session every day. Coach Franklin says Larry Smith has been very solid in preseason, and appears to be firmly planted as the starter. Jordan Rodgers is healthy for the first time, and has gotten plenty of reps with the first team, so I know they are very confident in his ability as well. A couple of newcomers in Josh Grady and Kris Kentera have also showed promise. Highly touted freshman Lafonte Thourogood has been banged up in camp, so we haven’t gotten to see what he can do yet.
I saw where eight of the 12 baseball players drafted have signed deals with teams. Did any of the remaining four players sign or will any be coming back to play for us?
— J. Parker (Lebanon, Tenn.)
Actually, the final number was 11 of the 12 signed professional deals. Will Clinard is the only one who opted to return, as I expected he would. Great news that Tyler Beede, the first round draft pick of Toronto out of high school, was the only first rounder to pass up a pro contract and is a Vanderbilt Commodore.