March 21, 2016
On campus in Nashville – The Commodores started the last week of Spring Ball and their push to the concluding Black & Gold Spring Game with a fast-paced, energetic session Monday morning.
The indoor practice featured more playbook development, position training, extensive special teams work, conditioning and team drills.
After impressive performances Friday and Saturday by the Commodore offense, their counterparts looked more physical and intentional Monday. Throughout the full-gear session, Derek Mason and his staff demanded improved fundamentals, effort and intensity from the defenders.
After the workout, Mason said the offensive improvement is forcing his defense to gain ground – and resulting a better overall squad.
“I’m proud of our offense because they’re made strides. Those guys got the best of us the last couple days,” Mason said. “We bounced back (defensively) and did a better job. I saw a lot more energy and intensity.
“Right now, we need everybody straining to finish. We need to make sure we’re gaining that 1-to-2 percent each day,” Mason said.
The Commodores will return to practice Wednesday, then stage a limited walk-through session Thursday prepping for the Black & Gold Spring Game, scheduled this Friday in Vanderbilt Stadium.
Impressed with progress of quarterback corps
Progress in the quarterback corps continues to catch Mason’s attention. With each spring practice, Kyle Shurmur and Wade Freebeck look more comfortable in the Commodore offense. Mason sees both bringing more leadership and efficiency to the Commodore huddle.
“Those guys and all of our quarterbacks are just doing a great job of competing every day. They’re getting better individually and they’re making our offense better,” Mason said.
Jess Neely Drive closed this Friday for Block Party activities
One block of Jess Neely Drive will be closed to traffic for much of Friday for the block party being held in conjunction with the Black & Gold Spring Game.
The block party will include live music from Groove Addiction, one of Nashville’s top party bands, five leading food truck vendors from around Music City, and an array of free kids activities, all starting at 3 p.m.
Star Walk, the team’s pre-game entrance into Vanderbilt Stadium, will scheduled at 5:30.
Free 2016 posters and roster cards will be distributed to all fans attending the spring game, which is free of charge. Gate 2 of the stadium will open at 4 p.m.