Aug. 22, 2015
On campus in Nashville – After getting another look at many of the team’s young prospects in a Saturday scrimmage, Head Coach Derek Mason said the Commodores will turn their attention to opening-game opponent Western Kentucky.
The team closed the camp phase of August drills with a lengthy stadium scrimmage that offered extra repetitions for young Commodores who Mason says must step into key contributing roles this year.
“Today was a good opportunity to look at where we are depth-wise. We did more with the 2s, 3s and 4s to make sure they got extra snaps,” Mason said. “I liked what I saw. The quarterbacks played well, receivers were making some plays and we had a lot of guys flying around.
“This scrimmage breaks camp for us. The guys will rest the next 24 hours, then we’ll come back Monday moving toward preparations for Western Kentucky,” the coach added.
Coaches concluded the scrimmage with a lengthy full-contact session involving the team’s youngest players. Mason left the stadium impressed with many freshmen and sophomores performing in the live segment.
“I told the guys coming into camp that if they competed and worked hard, they’d get an opportunity,” the coach said. “I’ve seen guys on both sides of the ball show up and compete. I expect some of these guys to play this year.”
The Commodores face Western Kentucky, 8-5 last year in Conference USA, on Thursday, Sept. 3. Tickets remain available for the game.