March 22, 2017
The Commodores continued their preparations for the upcoming Spring Showcase with a quick-tempo session Wednesday morning.
Working in full gear, the Commodores practiced for 90 minutes at the John Rich Practice Complex, focusing on special teams, scheme development, individual fundamentals and team drills.
After an impressive offensive effort on Monday, the defense appeared to get the upper hand Wednesday. Linemen Jay Woods and Jonathan Wynn, and linebackers Oren Burks, Jay Hockaday and Charles Wright registered quarterback sacks or hurries in the team drills. Safeties Ryan White and Tae Daley and cornerback Tre Herndon also defended passes from the secondary.
Afterward, head coach Derek Mason said coaches have witnessed plenty of give and take from both units this spring – and expect more of the same Saturday at the Showcase.
“The overall energy and enthusiasm was outstanding,” Mason said. “The defense may have won a few more battles today, but the offense will come right back at them the next time we touch the grass. That’s the way it’s been all spring.”
The Commodores are expected to practice Friday as a final prep for the Showcase, which starts Saturday at 10 a.m. in Vanderbilt Stadium. The Showcase will include a series of controlled scrimmages, offering both full and limited contact, within a two-hour practice.
Several seniors signing autographs before Showcase
Several seniors from the 2016 Camping World Independence Bowl team will participate in an autograph signing prior to the Showcase.
Defensive lineman Adam Butler, receiver-returner Darrius Sims, offensive linemen Barrett Gouger and Andrew Jelks, wide receiver Latevius Rayford and linebacker Ja’karri Thomas will be signing on the concourse near Gate 2, starting at 9:30 a.m.
When the Showcase concludes, fans will be invited to the playing field for a brief autograph session with the current Vanderbilt team.