Aug. 10, 2015
On campus in Nashville —
Even though the Commodores moved into full pads for the first time Monday, the team didn’t miss a step in their practice pace.
After methodical sessions Saturday and Sunday, Head Coach Derek Mason pushed the tempo Monday, putting the Commodores through 75 minutes of fast-paced fundamentals, individual instruction, 1-on-1 and 7-on-7 segments, playbook development and multiple 11-on-11 periods.
“For the first day in pads, we ramped it up a little and pushed the tempo,” Mason said. “We got what we needed. Today was a solid practice.
“Especially on the first day (in pads), guys want to hit so we started with a little of it, then we quickly moved our focus to what we do offensively and defensively, on the schemes. I thought we have some good team drills today,” Mason added.
Mason limited contact to an early Oklahoma drill and several “thud” team-teach periods in Vanderbilt’s first full-pad practice.
“The days of having three-hour practices are gone. If we can be smart, short, crisp and make sure we focus on the details, the guys’ learning capacity increases. If we can maximize our time, we can maximize our performance. So far, we’ve doing that,” the coach added.
Highlights from team periods
Running back Ralph Webb has been one of the offense’s top performers early in camp. On Monday, he continued the trend, running with determination inside the tackles and showing explosive speed to reach the edge on several off-tackle rushes.
On the offensive front, Andrew Jelks and Will Holden are solidifying their roles at left and right tackle, respectively. Inside, guards Jake Bernstein and Delando Crooks also opened holes working in tandem with veteran Spencer Pulley, who is working full-time at center.
Inside linebacker Zach Cunningham and Darreon Herring, along with tackle Adam Butler, outside linebacker Josh Smith and safety Andrew Williamson, were among the defensive players to make outstanding individual plays during team drills.
Ending on a high note
The team’s specialists continue to show accuracy in the opening week of camp. Placekickers Tommy Openshaw and Hayden Lekacz converted 15 of 18 field goal attempts to close the practice. The duo combined to make 3-of-4 attempts from 42 yards.
Several Commodores notable seen on sidelines
Several notables in McGugin Center, including Director of Athletics David Williams II, Voice of the Commodores Joe Fisher and men’s golf coach Scott Limbaugh watched much of the workout.
Williams and Fisher also joined Mason as special guests on the Johnny “BallPark” Franks Show that airs on WNSR AM-560 and WNSR 95.9 FM. The afternoon drive program broadcast from the patio overlooking practice.
Over the weekend, several student-athletes from other Commodore programs, including sophomore hoop standouts Riley LaChance and Matthew Fisher-Davis, were spotted watching the proceedings.