Offensive Coordinator Andy Ludwig:
Defensive Coordinator Jason Tarver:
NASHVILLE — The Commodores used Monday’s afternoon practice to prepare for their first day in full pads on Tuesday. Afterward, Vanderbilt’s coordinators talked about the progress their units have made in the opening week of camps.
Offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig praised the work of the offensive line today.
“Early in camp there is give and take from one period from the next. The tape will tell the whole story but right now there is so much of an installation process, it’s like drinking water from a firing hose,” said Ludwig. “The veteran guys are doing a good job of staying up with the installation process — there isn’t a lot of new stuff for them in the fourth year of our system. I’m pleased with their work, growth and maturation and we’re looking for a great season from our offensive line.”
Ludwig also talked about the wide receivers and talked about the talent in that position group.
“We have some talent and some dynamic ability out there, but we have so much to learn. I like what they bring to the game and I like their skillset but there is a lot of football ahead of us before we kick off.”
Defensive coordinator Jason Tarver was pleased with the work of his unit on Monday, especially their overall togetherness.
“Today we had middle of the field situations, first and second downs so we worked on calls and personnel and it was good to see. We saw some things that went really well and we saw some quick fixes that we pointed out on the practice field. Most of practice we were pretty good running to the ball. We have some things to fix but that’s why you practice and we’re excited about fixing it.”
Tarver also emphasized the togetherness of the group.
“Our guys are starting to really run and attack the football. When you are out here, it’s the time you really have to give everything that you have. It’s a matter of getting it done as a team, because we need everybody. In this conference and really in the world of football, you need everyone on your roster, so we’re trying to grow everyone… it’s about how we’re running and what we’re doing together.”
Vanderbilt will take Wednesday off before getting back to work on Thursday. The Dores are marching towards the season opener which will see Middle Tennessee make the short trip to Nashville on Sept. 1. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 pm from Vanderbilt Stadium.
Quick Hits
-Offensive coordinator Ludwig is very pleased with the explosiveness displayed by freshman Ja’Veon Marlow. Ludwig described the running back as “very dynamic” and “has shown a lot of juice through the first four days.”
-When asked about staying at Vanderbilt for four years, Ludwig said “Coach Mason is an amazing individual. His passion and drive for this program, the players and the people in the program. Nashville is an unbelievable place to work.”
-When asked about his tendency to carry a football around McGugin Center, Tarver replied: “We want to be to the football all the time. Everything we do is about the ball. It’s everything to us and we need to live that.”