Aug. 8, 2015
On campus in Nashville – After watching the Commodores push through a high-tempo practice Friday afternoon, Coach Derek Mason put the squad through a more structured workout Saturday in the team’s first public session of camp.
Nearly 400 Commodore fans watched the team’s 90-minute practice Saturday, held on the team’s John Rich Facility in temperatures that reached the mid-90s. The practice featured individual and position fundamentals, inside rush and 7-on-7 passing drills, two 11-on-11 segments, and 15 minutes of special teams instruction.
The practice pace was fast, yet controlled – and exactly what Mason wanted.
“Everything about yesterday was extremely fast and it was a very good practice. Today, we wanted to focus more on teaching and execution,” Mason said. “It was what we wanted to accomplish. It was another good day for us.
Through three early practices, Mason likes what he sees in the Commodores.
“I like where we are right now. This team is doing a good job. There’s always things to clean up, but we’re getting better.”
The Commodores will return for a second public workout Sunday. The practice is expected to start at 3:30 p.m., with gates off Natchez Trace opening at 3 p.m.
Highlights from the practice
Despite the lack of full contact, running backs Ralph Webb, Dallas Rivers and Josh Crawford showed soft hands out of the backfield and explosiveness rushing abilities inside the tackles. Each contributed multiple plays earning first downs in the practice.
Kris Kentera, Darrius Sims and Trent Sherfield were impressive as wide receiving targets. Kentera arguably posted the two most impressive catches – a 25-yard diving reception near the sideline and a 40-yard grab on a deep post route. Kentera also took the day’s biggest collision, a jarring hit from safety Ryan White that broke up another potential reception. Sims had two first-down receptions while Sherfield’s catching abilities and explosiveness were on display early during passing drills.
Two tight ends, DeAndre Woods and Nathan Marcus, had key receptions, with Woods resulting in a touchdown.
On defense, inside linebackers Nigel Bowden, Zach Cunningham and Darreon Herring were penetrating the backfield and showing excellent tackling form.
In passing drills, safeties Oren Burks and Emmanuel Smith, and cornerbacks LaDarius Wiley and Ty Herndon defended throws. But for the first time in camp, the defense did not force a turnover.
Mason: Offense has plenty of playmakers
Mason said new offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig is giving potential playmakers plenty of opportunities to display their talents. He also believes several receivers and backs are stepping forward to bring more explosiveness to the offense than a year ago.
“Today, just about every skilled player we have touched the ball. You have to find out who can do what and I’m excited to see what Andy is doing,” Mason said. “Guys are stepping up and looking to make plays and we’re going to continue to give guys opportunities to get the ball. When there’s an opportunity for big plays, (Andy’s) looking for them.”
A number of Commodore skilled players, from wideouts Sherfield, Kentera, Sims and Caleb Scott to tight ends Woods and Marcus, contributed explosive plays on Saturday.
Commodores looking forward to full contact
Though the Commodores have to complete one more practice in limited gear, the prospect of full pads and full contact is on the minds of the entire team. Mason was heard repeatedly telling players to stay up and protect themselves and their teammates.
“These guys are chomping at the bit. I see it. They’ve been waiting all year to get in pads,” Mason said. “But we have to do a great job of managing the energy and be smart about what we do. We have to protect one another.”
The squad is expected to stage its first full session in full pads Monday afternoon.