Feb. 21, 2015
On campus in Nashville – Vanderbilt’s first week of Spring Ball ended Saturday with an energetic 90-minute practice capped with the team’s first full-contact scrimmage.
The Commodores concluded the session held in the indoor practice facility with a 25-play situational scrimmage that featured stellar individual performances from both sides of the line of scrimmage.
Head Coach Derek Mason praised his squad afterward, saying the team’s high level of competition and energy.
“It was a really competitive practice. I think, if you want to speak the truth, it was more competitive than a year ago,” Mason said. “Everybody just knows what we’re doing and where they need to be. We’re doing things faster and getting more deal.”
The full-contact action came in two 10-minute periods, with the defense controlling the opening segment and the offense producing several big plays in the latter segment. Though Landon Stokes (R-So., OLB) contributed an athletic pass deflection and tackle for no gain early in the scrimmage, Khari Blasingame (R-Fr., ILB) provided the top individual hit. New to linebacker this spring, Blasingame drew cheers from fellow defensive players after walloping Dallas Rivers (So., RB) on a 4th & short rush.
In the closing segment, Rivers posted a first-down carry for 15 yards, and Trent Sherfield (So., WR) and C.J. Duncan (R-So., WR) had first-down receptions. Duncan and Shawn Stankavage (R-Fr., QB) hooked up for completions of 25 and 30 yards late in the scrimmage.
Collectively, four Commodore quarterbacks were 8-of-11, with Stankavage all three attempts. The offense did not have a turnover.
Mason with the defense during scrimmage
As he did in the team’s first three practices, Mason has devoted most of his attention to the defense, giving new offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig power to lead the opposing unit. During the scrimmage, Mason took on the defensive sideline, and helped with play calls for the unit.
While coordinating the defense, Mason also made time to congratulate offensive players after excellent plays. “I am a defensive play-caller and a head coach, but I am still high-fiving offensive players,” Mason said. “In the end, it’s our team, and I’m rooting for both sides.”