Aug. 6, 2016
On campus in Nashville — The Commodores will have to wait at least one more day before they get on the new synthetic turf recently installed at the John Rich Practice Complex.
For the third straight day, the prospect of lightning over the campus forced the Commodores to practice indoors. It’s not the way head coach Derek Mason drew up the team’s camp schedule, but he’s pleased to have a state-of-the-art indoor facility to get work accomplished.
“It’s warm in here but it’s hot out there and that’s part of the camp grind. I just like seeing guys have to push through the humidity because it’s part of the process,” Mason said after putting the squad through the 90-minute session. “It feels kind of country club in here, but I’d far rather be in here getting work done than not practicing at all.”
Several hundred Commodores watched the squad go through conditioning exercises, scheme development, special teams introduction, fundamentals and individual instruction, and an array of 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 team drills during the practice.
Vanderbilt fans are invited back Sunday for another open practice, the team’s last before moving into full pads on Monday. Barring inclement weather, the Sunday practice will start at 4:10 p.m.
Offense shows more depth at running back, tight end
After facing a 2015 season with limited players at playmaking positions, Vanderbilt offensive coaches are giving repetitions to a half-dozen running backs and tight ends. Early in camp, the influx of capable players has resulted in better overall depth and less wear on key returnees.
Coaches know what Ralph Webb (Jr.) brings to the Commodore backfield. Through three practices, they are learning several other backs, including Dallas Rivers (Jr.), Khari Blasingame (R-So.), Josh Crawford (So.) and Jaire George (R-Fr.) are looking to expand their roles or create new opportunities. Freshman Jamauri Wakefield also has flashed abilities as a running back.
At tight end, the Commodores are missing a proven standout, but have an array of talented performers who appear ready to place their stamp on the offense, including Nathan Marcus (R-Jr.), DeAndre Woods (R-Jr.), Sam Dobbs (So.), Kyle Anderton (So.) and Jalen Pinkney (R-Fr.).
Top plays in 11-on-11 drills
Some of the top plays from the team’s 11-on-11 segment include:
• Zach Cunningham (R-Jr., LB) started the team session by stuffing a screen to Rivers for a loss of two yards.
• Wade Freebeck (Jr., QB) connected with Trent Sherfiel (Jr., WR) for 18 yards on a deep crossing route.
• Dare Odeyingbo (So., DE) got heavy pressure on Freeback, then batted down his pass attempt.
• On back-to-back plays, Kyle Shurmur (So., QB) produced big gains, finding Caleb Scott (Jr., WR) for 25 yards and Rivers for 20 yards. Scott also managed to maintain possession after being hit hard by a closing safety.
• Defensive linemen Jonathan Wynn (R-Jr.) and Nifae Lealao (Jr.) forced errant throws by quarterbacks by providing excellent pressure on consecutive plays.
• Odeyingbo and Caleb Peart (R-Fr., OLB) combined for a quarterback sack to close the team drill.
Former Vanderbilt great Art Demmas passes away
At the end of practice, news became circulating regarding the death of Art Demmas, a member of Vanderbilt’s 1955 Gator Bowl, former Commodore co-captain and an all-around great guy. Demmas was 83 at the time of his death.
Demmas was an All-SEC linemen, high academic achiever and team leader during a Commodore career from 1952-56. After his collegiate playing days ended, the Nashville resident enjoyed a remarkable officiating career in the SEC and National Football League that spanned 45 years. One of the NFL’s most decorated officials, Demmas worked four Super Bowls and countless playoff games. In 1997, he was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
Through the last six decades, Demmas was a strong supporter of the Commodore football team and was in the stands at Vanderbilt Stadium with family, friends and former teammates whenever his schedule allowed.