NASHVILLE — Vanderbilt practiced in full pads for the first time on Tuesday afternoon, another landmark in fall camp as the squad continues to build towards its season opener on Sept. 1.
The 2-hour training period, which featured SEC Network cameras on hand to film behind-the-scenes action for SEC Inside, marked the fifth practice in as many days. The Commodores will take Wednesday off before returning to full pads on Thursday.
“Our guys are working hard,” head coach Derek Mason said. “They want contact. At the end of the day, they have to learn how to stay on their feet. It’s hard to win games playing on the ground.”
Quick Hits
– Mason praised for redshirt junior Jared Pinkney, who totaled 22 receptions and 279 yards a season ago: “He’s had a chance to see this offense through the years … He understands the nuances of the tight end position. When the pads came on Pinkney showed up. That’s exactly what we need every Saturday.”
– In addition to the SEC Network, Reese’s Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy and several other scouts were on hand for Tuesday’s practice. In total, 43 Commodores have participated in previous Senior Bowls, including Oren Burks who did so most recently.
– Defensive backs Elijah Hamilton and Zaire Jones produced a strong first day in full pads. “They are guys fighting for jobs,” Mason said. “We’ve had as deep of a secondary as we’ve had since I’ve been here. Those are two guys making a push to get significant playing time.”