Aug. 22, 2009
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Commodores worked two hours Friday preparing for their second preseason scrimmage in Vanderbilt Stadium.
The squad continued to focus on expanding the offensive and defensive schemes, 1-on-1 and team drills, and special teams at the John Rich Practice Facility. The team worked in shoulder pads during the session after going more than two hours in full pads Thursday afternoon.
Head Coach Bobby Johnson said the situational scrimmage Saturday will be one of the final opportunities for players to make a positive impression to position coaches.
“We’re looking to guys to show that they deserve to be on the field,” Johnson said. “We’re still competing at every position.”
After Saturday, the staff is expected to turn its attention to the Commodores’ first opponent, Western Carolina. Vanderbilt hosts the Catamounts on Sept. 5, with kickoff scheduled for 6:35 p.m.
“There is certainly an urgency Saturday. We have to start choosing the guys that we’re going to get ready for that game,” Johnson said.
Vierling on Rimington Trophy Watchlist
Redshirt senior Bradley Vierling, a two-year offensive captain, has been officially named to the preseason watchlist for the Rimington Trophy, given annually to the nation’s top offensive center. He is one of six Southeastern Conference centers named to the watchlist.
Vierling, a Pennsylvania native, is the first Commodore named to the Rimington watchlist in the last decade. He started every game as a junior, and is one of five starters returning on the Commodore offensive line.
