Aug. 8, 2016
On campus in Nashville — Head Coach Derek Mason left the practice field more content Monday that he did Sunday.
Mason wanted to see better focus, fundamentals and attention to detail when he put the Commodores through a 90-minute workout Monday at the John Rich Practice Complex. He got what he wanted.
“This team made some adjustments today and got a lot accomplished,” Mason said. “I saw a lot of guys moving around, making plays and straining to finish, and I also saw guys doing the little things correctly. We’re going to keep moving forward and keep getting better.”
The team will take their first day off the field Tuesday, then return with a pair of practices on Wednesday.
After brief fundamentals and stretch periods, Mason opened the practice with a 11-on-11 “thud” segment. Later in the practice, following a half-hour of special teams, scheme development and 7-on-7 work, the Commodores concluded with a lengthy “red-zone” team drill that featured limited contact.
Highlights from 11-on-11 session
Some of the top plays from the 11-on-11 segment that featured possessions deep in scoring position follows:
• Josh Crawford (So., RB) started the drill with a carry off right guard for a first down.
• Kyle Shurmur (So., QB) connects with Trey Ellis (Jr., WR) for an 8-yard gain.
• Ja’karri Thomas (Sr., ILB) stuffs Dallas Rivers (Jr., RB) for no gain.
• Wade Freebeck (Jr., QB) finds Donaven Tennyson (Fr., WR) open in the right flat for a touchdown.
• On consecutive plays, Crawford is stopped for no gain by Drew Birchmeier (Fr., DL) and Adam Butler (Sr., DL).
• Shurmur locates C.J. Duncan (Jr., WR) over the middle for a touchdown.
• Dare Odeyingbo (So., DL) tackles Jaire George (R-Fr, RB) for a 1-yard loss.
• Shurmur’s last play in the drills results in a touchdown toss to Nathan Marcus (R-Jr., TE).
• Freebeck adds another score, connecting with Bailey McElwain (Fr., FB).
Watching practice
Vanderbilt men’s golf coach and avid Commodore football fan Scott Limbaugh was among practice visitors from McGugin Athletics Center. Men’s basketball standout Luke Kornet — all 7’1″ of him — also took in part of practice.
Annual `Dore Jam’ Fan Day is this Sunday, Aug. 14
Vanderbilt Athletics’ annual fun-filled fan day, Dore Jam, is scheduled this Sunday, from 2-4 p.m., in the indoor practice facility.
The free event features an opportunity to meet and greet the entire Commodore team, including Mason, his staff and the 101-player roster. The event also includes autographs, an array of kids activities, and free food and beverage like supplies last.
Free parking for Dore Jam is available across Natchez Trace from Vanderbilt’s outdoor track and field complex.