March 20, 2014
Howell’s Photo Gallery
On campus in Nashville – The Commodores held a spirited practice Thursday preparing for their first stadium scrimmage under Head Coach Derek Mason.
The Thursday workout, capped by a 20-minute full-contact session, also included extensive periods aimed at developing schemes on both sides of the ball, and improving position fundamentals. The team also worked extensively on several special team units.
Afterward, Mason was pleased with the workout. “It was another good day for these guys. I saw a lot of guys going hard, playing fast. We made some progress today,” the coach said.
On Saturday, Commodore fans can get a upclose look at the team’s progress through two weeks of Spring Ball when Mason oversees his initial scrimmage in Vanderbilt Stadium. The session is the only practice open to Vanderbilt followers until the Black & Gold Spring Game is held Saturday, April 12.
Gate 2 of the stadium will open at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, with the team expected to start the practice about 10 a.m.
There were plenty of impressive individual plays both offensively and defensively during the 11-on-11, full-go segment. Backs Brian Kimbrow, Jerron Seymour and Ralph Webb produced first-down carries running behind blocks from Joe Townsend, Jake Bernstein, Andrew Jelks and Spencer Pulley among other linemen. On defense, linebacker Jake Sealand came up with an interception and quarterback sack. Other defenders contributing big plays were linebackers Darreon Herring and Nigel Bowden, linemen Adam Butler, Jay Woods and Jonathan Wynn, and defensive backs Torren McGaster, Jalen Banks and Andrew Williamson.
The live portion of practice concluded with an impressive touchdown drive. In the possession, quarterback Johnny McCrary connected with tight ends Mack Weaver and Dillon van der Wal for first downs before finding wide receiver C.J. Duncan over the middle for the score.
Several former players watch practice
A number of former Commodores watched much of the session, including several seniors from the 2013 squad that are participating in Pro Day activities Friday on campus. Placekicker Carey Spear, wide receiver Jordan Matthews, defensive end Walker May and defensive tackle Jared Morse were Pro Day participants spotted on the sidelines. Others were former Commdore standouts Ryan Seymour, Tim Fugger and Erik Davis.