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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, just wondering what is the status of Warren Norman? Was expecting him to play an important role this year. Thanks.
– Jim Foster (Monteagle, Tenn.)
This was the most popular topic in the mailbag this week.It is my understanding that Warren is ready to play, but right now it appears the depth chart at running back is Zac Stacy, Wesley Tate and freshman Brian Kimbrow. Coach Franklin has said all along that a player can certainly help earn playing time by having a great week of practice, and I’m sure Warren continues to strive to do that.I also know that once you get into the season, it is more difficult for a player to climb further up the depth chart because the reps during the season go primarily to the players that expect to get the most playing time. Coach Franklin continues to be impressed with Warren’s attitude and how he practices. I’m sure Warren will be ready when his number is called.
Why does VU senior QB Jordan Rodgers appear nervous directing the offense during the last two games at Memphis in the Liberty Bowl against Cincinnati and last week against South Carolina?
– Philip Breen (Nashville)
I don’t know that I’d term him as nervous in directing the offense. I haven’t asked him specifically, but it appears to me to have been two different scenarios. I think Jordan maybe tried to do a bit too much in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl; forced some plays and made some mistakes trying to make big things happen. I believe he learned some valuable lessons for this season from that game. You have to give South Carolina most of the credit for the challenges Jordan faced in the opener. They have a relentless pass rush, led by two All-America defensive ends and that would be enough to make any quarterback look over his shoulder. Though he was sacked five times, I thought Jordan handled pressure pretty well.
I know I already submitted a question but there is a comment I would like to make, (some may think it is too early to say this after one game) and I hope somehow this gets back to him, but I was very happy with Carey Spear’s performance on Thursday night. I saw very much improvement. He was successful on all of his kicks, even though he missed one. But even with the missed FG, his trajectory was spot on, and I would much much rather have the situation where he gets a feel for his distance than have to worry about trajectory (like last year).
– Patrick (Pensacola)
I agree. Carey kicked the ball extremely well. Four touchbacks in four kickoffs took the return element totally out of play. Competition between Carey and Ryan Fowler has been and continues to be excellent. I think we’re in good shape with two veteran placekickers available.
Joe, no question; just some feedback. WLAC was 15-plus seconds delayed last Thursday night. Those of us that listen while in our seats just shut down our headsets.
– Sam T. Harper (Tullahoma, Tenn.)
Several folks commented in the mailbag on this. We are working with our new partners at WLAC to get this resolved, and I expect it will be. I really appreciate all of you who bring your headsets to the game. I hope it adds to your enjoyment. If you’re going to the game at Northwestern this weekend, you might want to take your headsets along as well. You might be able to pick us up on 1510 in the evening in Evanston.
Joe, I miss your daily radio updates. I used to look forward to hearing you on the radio on my way home from work every day. Is there a plan for starting these back up?
– Charlene Shaw
Actually, I do a daily radio update on WLAC every morning during the Steve Gill show. It airs at 8:04 a.m. central time. On Mondays, I also join Steve and Joe Biddle live for a few minutes at 8:07 a.m.
What is the travel plan for the guys for the Northwestern game? Do they have to ride in a bus to Chicago the same day they are to play?
– Alex MacFarlan (Salt Lake City, Utah)
No, the team flies in on chartered jet on Friday early afternoon. There are some football trips where the team usually buses in (Knoxville, Ole Miss, Tuscaloosa for example), but they would always travel and arrive the day before the game.We’ll charter jet back from Northwestern after the game Saturday night.