Aug. 29, 2017
By Zac Ellis
VUCommodores.com
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason previewed Saturday’s season-opening matchup with Middle Tennessee (7 p.m. on CBS Sports Network) in his first weekly press conference of the season on Tuesday.
Mason was joined by linebacker Oren Burks, quarterback Kyle Shurmur and running back Ralph Webb.
Here’s what the Commodores had to say:
• Mason praised fourth-year MTSU quarterback Brent Stockstill, who has thrown for 7,238 yards and 61 touchdowns in the past two seasons. Mason called Stockstill one of the best pure passers Vanderbilt will face in 2017. “To see him Week 1 is a challenge for us, and that’s the way we want it.”
• Stockstill and All-American wide receiver Richie James don’t play for a Power Five program, but Mason said they have his team’s full respect. “You’re seeing Brent Stockstill’s name no matter where he is. He could be at Florida, and he’s one of the top quarterbacks in the country. Richie James could be at Missouri and he’d be one of the top receivers in the country.”
• Mason is plenty familiar with former Syracuse head coach and new MTSU defensive coordinator Scott Shafer. Shafer coordinated the defense at Stanford prior to Mason’s successful stint with the Cardinal. “I’ve known Scott for a while. He’s a tremendous coordinator. He’s going to give our offense some looks that we need to be prepared for.”
• Mason noted he has yet to win a season opener at Vanderbilt, which serves as a chip on his shoulder. “It’s a chip. It sits there and stares me in the face everyday.”
• As Vanderbilt replaces All-American Zach Cunningham at linebacker, Mason named two returnees whom he plans to keep on the field as much as possible. “Emmanuel Smith and Oren Burks. They’re different than Zach, but they have the same attributes.”
• Mason said he feels “as good about our balance on offense as I have since I’ve been here. It’s not about one guy anymore. It’s about balance.”
• Mason cited Shurmur’s footwork and pocket movement as much improved during fall camp. “When you couple maturity with the mastery of some nuances he’s had this offseason, I think it’s going to make for a good year for Kyle Shurmur.”
• Webb beamed when asked to assess Vanderbilt’s talent at running back. “I think this is the best group of backs, and the most depth of backs, since I’ve been here.”
• Shurmur said Vanderbilt’s offense, which returns nine starters, isn’t hurting for experience. “Anybody that’s on the field is a viable option. That’s going to make us very dangerous on offense.”
• Burks said the Commodores’ defense is prepared for Stockstill’s ability to run, as well. “That’s a decent part of our game plan. We know he’s able to do that, but he can hurt us in the pass much more. That’s our focus right now.”
Zac Ellis is the Writer and Digital Media Editor for Vanderbilt Athletics. Check out his story archive and follow him on Twitter here.