July 29, 2016
The Vanderbilt offensive line features eight returning letterwinners, including five players who earned multiple starts last year.
The unit showed improved cohesiveness during Spring Ball under the direction of first-year offensive line coach Cameron Norcross, who joined the staff from Fresno State.
The Commodore line is headlined by senior tackles Will Holden and Andrew Jelks. Both Holden, a 23-game career starter, and Jelks, who has 21 all-time starts, possess All-Southeastern Conference abilities.
Holden protected the quarterback’s blindside at left tackle last year after starting at right tackle as a sophomore in 2014. Holden’s move was necessitated when Jelks, a 2013 Freshman All-America and SEC All-Freshman performer, suffered a season-ending injury in summer camp. Jelks has returned with an impressive offseason regiment and enters his final season at full strength.
Sophomores Bailey Granier and Justin Skule will benefit substantially from starting opportunities at tackle last year. Redshirt freshman Jared Southers also impressed during spring drills and will compete for playing time.
Three players return with starting experience at guard: senior Barrett Gouger, fourth-year junior Delando Crooks and sophomore Bruno Reagan. Gouger and Reagan were multi-game starters last year. The Commodores are looking for a healthy campaign from Crooks, who started the 2015 opener but struggled with injuries much of the season.
Junior Egidio DellaRipa also will look to break into the guard rotation in fall camp.
The top prospects at center to replace 2015 starter and current San Diego Charger Spencer Pulley are Gouger, third-year lineman Cole Hardin and redshirt freshman Ean Pfeifer.
New arrivals on the offensive line include highly regarded signees Sean Auwae-McMoore, Devin Cochran and Braden Kopp.
Vanderbilt season tickets now available
The Commodores open their regular season Thursday, Sept. 1, hosting SEC East opponent South Carolina in Vanderbilt Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.
Besides South Carolina, the Vanderbilt home slate includes Middle Tennessee on Sept. 10, Florida on Oct. 1, Tennessee State for homecoming on Oct. 22, Ole Miss on Nov. 19, and Tennessee on Nov. 26.
Season tickets remain available, starting at $135 for end-zone locations and only $250 for premium sideline seats in Vanderbilt Stadium. Tickets can be purchased online or via the phone at (615) 322-GOLD (4653). The Vanderbilt Ticket Office also is open during regular hours on weekends in McGugin Athletics Center, 2601 Jess Neely Drive in Nashville.