Aug. 19, 2016
On campus in Nashville – The Commodores put in a quick workout indoors Friday morning addressing all three phases of the game.
“It was a good practice for our guys, and another opportunity for us to tighten some things up offensively, defensively and on special teams,” Head Coach Derek Mason said. “We got a lot done in a short time.”
Much of the Friday session was aimed at preparing for the team’s final scrimmage of preseason camp, expected to come Saturday in Vanderbilt Stadium if weather allows.
After Saturday’s practice, the Commodores will shift their focus to South Carolina, Vanderbilt’s opponent in the opener on Thursday, Sept. 1.
Mason expects to see a Commodore squad executing with increased precision on Saturday when several segments will feature full contact. “I want to see how they execute tomorrow and I’m looking for guys that want to play on the big stage,” the coach said.
More attention on special teams
The Commodores spent about half of the Friday practice concentrating on all areas of special teams. Mason has been pleased with the focus and energy coordinator Jeff Genyk has brought to those units. Virtually the entire Vanderbilt roster, including numerous first-team offensive and defensive players, are penciled to contribute on special teams.
“In this conference, you better be ready to play all phases. Games are so tight, you win or lose games with your special teams,” Mason said. “I think Coach Genyk has done a great job of getting our guys to buy in to the importance of playing great special teams.”