Aug. 15, 2009
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – As Vanderbilt’s preseason progresses, coaches and teammates are discovering plenty of promise in the Commodores’ three freshman running backs.
On Saturday, two of the three – Warren Norman and Zac Stacy – provided highlight reels as Head Coach Bobby Johnson staged the team’s first scrimmage of camp in Vanderbilt Stadium.
Capitalizing on the running of Norman and Stacy, the Commodore offense notched five touchdowns before their counterparts stiffened during the latter stages of the scrimmage.
Working in 90-degree heat, Johnson put his squad through the 75-play scrimmage that included 20 series. The team also spent time on virtually every phrase of special teams.
“We got a lot out of this practice. I thought we were an active team out there,” Johnson said. “I’m very pleased with the overall effort, but we can get much better and will need a lot of practice time before our first game.
“The offense did well. I was very pleased about it. (The line) blocked well and gave the guys some holes. Some of those young guys took up in those holes and took advantage. It was a very good performance by the offense,” Johnson said.
While the coach said two multiple-game starters were missing from the defensive line, end Steven Stone (excused absence) and tackle Greg Billinger (injury), the offense needed little time to gain an advantage, scoring on four of its first seven possessions. On the first drive, quarterback Larry Smith connected on first-down completions to receivers Alex Washington and Udom Umoh before the shifty Norman eluded two defenders en route to an 18-yard touchdown.
After a fumbled exchange between center and quarterback, Stacy reeled off arguably the most impressive play of the practice, taking a pitch off left tackle, breaking through two would-be tacklers, and out running defenders for a 70-yard score.
On consecutive drives, junior running back Kennard Reeves and Norman added touchdowns on carries of 14 and 8 yards, respectively.
The defense forced punts on two early possessions, using third-down big plays by junior linebacker Nate Campbell and sophomore cornerback Casey Hayward. In the eighth drive, the defense responded with a touchdown of their own when sophomore safety Sean Richardson returned an interception 48 yards after freshman Eric Samuels deflected an intended pass.
After a brief intermission, the defense responded with improved play, getting another pass deflection by Hayward, several physical tackles by redshirt freshman linebacker Tristan Strong, and a quarterback sack by redshirt freshman defensive tackle John Burrow. Freshman cornerback Eddie Foster also contributed a turnover, reacting quickly to intercept a pass deep in the end zone.
The final offensive touchdown came on a 26-yard touchdown toss from senior quarterback Mackenzi Adams to junior receiver Turner Wimberly.
Several Commodores missed the scrimmage, including Stone and Billinger. Others that did not dress were senior tailback Jared Hawkins, senior safety Joel Caldwell, junior linebacker Michael Garcia, and freshmen defensive backs Trey Wilson and Jay Fullam. Redshirt freshman defensive tackle Colt Nichter also was taken off the field with an apparent lower leg injury.
Team Takes Off Sunday to Enjoy Dore Jam
The Commodores will stay away from the practice field for the first time Sunday. Though no practice is scheduled, the team will participate in Dore Jam, the squad’s annual Fan Day activity.
The free event starts at 4 p.m., at the John Rich Practice Facility. It includes a variety of interactive activities for kids, free football posters, music by Soul Incision, and autographs from both coaches and players.
