Feb. 20, 2015
Mason Post-Practice Interview|
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On campus in Nashville – Twenty minutes into practice Friday, Head Coach Derek Mason introduced Commodore players to the Oklahoma drill, putting virtually every position player through the intense workout.
The three-player drill, which features a defender trying to beat a blocker and tackle an oncoming ball carrier, came in the team’s first spring practice in full gear. The rest of the 90-minute session was limited to “thud” contact, which aims at keeping players off the ground.
Afterward, the head coach said he saw just what he wanted – players rolling up their sleeves and challenging each other at the line of scrimmage.
“For the first time in pads, it was a good day. The guys are practicing with energy, playing fast and physical,” Mason said. “That’s the mentality we want for all 15 (spring) practices.”
The Commodores are back Saturday for another full-pad session. With a 40-play scrimmage on tap, the intensity level should continue to rise.
“We’re going to get after it a little bit, and see how the guys play under contact,” the coach said. “When you can turn it loose and see their football acumen in terms of tackling and being able to finish, it’s good. I’m excited to see it.”
Mason praises early contribution of new strength staff
During his post-practice remarks, Mason took time to praise the early contribution from James Dobson’s strength staff.
“James and I are in unison with what we want, and what our expectations are for the team,” Mason said. “And (the players) know exactly what we want, and are working extremely hard.
“I see the results. At practice, there’s just a different level of strength and get off, and a different type of control at the line of scrimmage. I’m very pleased,” he added.
Dobson joined Vanderbilt in early January from a similar role at the University of Nebraska. His staff includes former Cornhusker assistants Ben Schumacher and Tyler Clarke, second-year Commodore staffer Cedric Calhoun, and graduate assistant Johnell Thomas.