Aug. 10, 2009
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Watch Coach Johnson’s Sunday Press Conference
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Preseason practice at Vanderbilt turned more physical Sunday as the Commodores donned shoulder pads for the first time this summer.
While the Commodores continued to work on improving fundamentals and expanding the playbook, the squad ratcheted up the intensity during 7-on-7 inside drills and an 11-on-11 segment that concluded practice. Several big plays were turned in by both the offense and defense during the 11-on-11 work.
Head Coach Bobby Johnson left the practice field impressed with his team’s willingness to work as the Commodores move toward full pads – and full contact.
“The guys got after it real well,” Johnson told the media afterward. “They’ve doing things at a fast pace, and they’re giving our coaches plenty of effort.
“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished in just three practices, but we need to keep the energy and focus in the days ahead to make sure we continue the progress,” Johnson added.
The intensity should rise in the coming days. The team will practice in shoulder pads again on Monday, then stage their first session in full gear on Tuesday.
Junior linebacker Nathan Campbell introduced his teammates to contact on the first play of 11-on-11 action, laying a solid hit on a ball carrier resulting in a minimal gain. Another linebacker, junior John Stokes, forced a fourth down two plays later by deflecting a short pass attempt.
Junior quarterback Jared Funk came back to hit freshman running back Zac Stacy and redshirt freshman receiver Jameson Sackey on receptions for first down. The possession was halted on a quarterback sack by senior Broderick Stewart.
As the 11-on-11 segment closed, senior quarterback Mackenzi Adams and receiver Justin Green connected on a pass over the middle for an apparent score.
Other practice obversations:
– The placekicking candidates – senior Brett Upson and redshirt freshman Ryan Fowler – continue to impress. Collectively, they converted on 7 of 10 attempts, with both connecting from 42 yards.
– Sophomore cornerbacks Casey Hayward and Jamie Graham have been standouts in 1-on-1 and pass defense drills. Hayward has connected at least one interception in each practice and has been difficult to beat in man coverage.
– If coaches’ praise means anything, senior center Bradley Vierling is off to an excellent camp. Guard Kyle Fischer and tackle Reilly Lauer also received frequent accolades Sunday.
– While linebackers Chris Marve, Patrick Benoist and Brent Trice have been solid, junior John Stokes has made enough plays to signal that he is close to being fully back after missing spring drills.
– Three freshmen running backs – Warren Norman, Zac Stacy and Wesley Tate – are getting a chance to contend for playing time with senior starter Jared Hawkins limited. On Sunday, Stacy displayed excellent burst and an ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.
– The defensive line appears to possess as much quality depth as any Commodore unit in years. Stewart and Steven Stone are solid at end, with Stewart appearing close to 100 percent after a 2008 foot injury. Sophomore Tim Fugger and junior Theron Kadri also have impressed at the position. Several tackles, including Adam Smotherman, Colt Nichter and Rob Lohr, stuffed running plays Sunday.
Former Commodores in NFL Hall of Fame Game Sunday
Former Commodore teammates Jovan Haye and Marcus Buggs faced off Sunday night in the NFL Hall of Fame preseason opener in Canton, Ohio.
Haye, a newly signed defensive tackle for Tennessee, contributed one solo tackle in the Titans’ 21-18 victory over Buffalo. Buggs, a second-year linebacker, added two solo tackles for the Bills.
