Feb. 11, 2016
For the first time ever, the Vanderbilt football team will conclude spring drills with a game played on Friday night.
The Black & Gold Spring Game will be held Friday, March 25 in Vanderbilt Stadium. It starts at 6 p.m., and features free admission.
“It’s going to be fun and exciting for our players and fans, and should make for a great conclusion to spring practice,” Head Coach Derek Mason said. “Our players grew up experiencing the excitement of playing Friday night games, and I believe this will bring more excitement to our spring game.”
For the second straight year, the Commodores will open spring practice earlier than any other SEC team. Mason expects to stage the squad’s first spring drill on Monday, Feb. 22.
Mason is expected to welcome 77 players this spring. After two years of managing youthful rosters, Mason will greet a more experienced Commodore squad, one that features more than 40 upperclassmen.
“Our guys are eager to get back on the practice field,” Mason said. “As a team, we have to continue making progress and working to get better. Everybody knows the importance of having a really strong and productive spring.”
The Commodore roster features 52 letterwinners and 27 multi-game starters from a year ago. All-SEC inside linebacker Zach Cunningham and record-breaking running back Ralph Webb, wide receiver Trent Sherfield, cornerback Torren McGaster and safety Oren Burks highlight the returnees.
Other offensive players back with at least five starts last year besides besides Webb and Sherfield are quarterback Kyle Shurmur, receivers Caleb Scott and Darrius Sims and linemen Will Holden and Barrett Gouger.
On defense, linemen Adam Butler and Jay Woods, linebacker Nehemiah Mitchell and cornerback Tre Herndon join Cunningham, McGaster and Burks as starters of at last five games in 2015.
For the second straight year, Mason will direct the Commodore defense. Last year, Mason’s coordination resulted in one of the nation’s most improved defensive units.
The Commodore offense should feature more stability and better execution, with numerous performers back for a second year under coordinator Andy Ludwig.
Special teams will be a focus this spring for the Commodores. In January, Mason lured noted coach Jeff Genyk to direct Vanderbilt’s special teams, which are highlighted by the return of kicker-punter Tommy Openshaw.
Vanderbilt opens the 2016 schedule by hosting SEC East opponent South Carolina on Thursday, Sept. 1 at Vanderbilt Stadium. Other home encounters include Middle Tennessee, Sept. 10; Florida, Oct. 1; Tennessee State, Oct. 22; Ole Miss, Nov. 19; and Tennessee, Nov. 26
Prices for 2016 season tickets are frozen at 2015 levels, and start at $141 each, including fees. Sideline seats are $256, with an annual donation to the National Commodore Club required for many premium locations.
Season tickets are on sale at vucommodores.com or by calling (615) 322-GOLD (4653).