Aug. 14, 2015
On campus in Nashville — The Commodores began preparations for their first scrimmage with two practices Thursday, including an afternoon session in Vanderbilt Stadium that featured plenty of offensive fireworks.
The offense scored on four straight red-zone possessions and generated explosive plays from a number of skilled players through the 75-minute stadium workout.
“I was impressed by the offense, saw a lot of guys making plays on that side of the ball. The offense had the edge today,” Head Coach Derek Mason said. “That’s what this team needs — both units pushing each other to make the team better. It’s all about iron sharpening iron.”
The second session Thursday is expected to be the Commodores’ last full-pad practice until Saturday when the team stages its first preseason scrimmage.
The team will continue preparations for the scrimmage with a limited practice this afternoon on campus.
Highlights from Thursday practice
• Quarterbacks Johnny McCrary and Wade Freebeck were impressive: McCrary during 7-on-7 and early 11-on-11 segments, Freebeck in 7-on-7 and concluding red-zone drills. McCrary threw touchdowns on consecutive passes to tight end Nathan Marcus and running back Ralph Webb during passing drills, then threw and scrambled for several positive plays during team segments. Late in the practice, Freebeck threw two touchdown passes to tight end DeAndre Woods and a third to wide receiver Latevius Rayford during a brief period of red-zone possessions.
• Tight end Steven Scheu and wideout Darrius Sims registered impressive receptions early in the practice.
• Webb continued an impressive camp, showing speed and explosiveness on several rush attempts.
• In an early 11-on-11 segment, outside linebacker Stephen Weatherly contributed a sack, tackle for loss and quarterback pressure, then showed excellent pursuit running down Webb for no gain.
• Defensive end Sekou Clark contributed a tackle for loss and combined with outside linebacker Josh Smith for a sack.
• Defensive tackles Adam Butler and Nifae Lealao both defeated blocks to stop running backs for no gain in short-yardage rushes.
• Placekicker Tommy Openshaw continued a superb camp, making all three field goal attempts, including a pair beyond 40 yards with plenty of distance to spare.
