March 13, 2017
On campus in Nashville — The Commodores returned from spring break with a fast-paced practice Monday morning in the team’s indoor practice facility.
Head Coach Derek Mason put the team through an 80-minute session. The full-pad workout focused on conditioning, position techniques, playbook expansion and extensive 11-on-11 team drills.
Mason was happy with the team’s effort and enthusiasm in their first practice after a week away.
“I really thought they did a great job today and I told them that afterward,” Mason said. “Sometimes getting back to work is more about shaking off the rust, but guys were in shape, eager and ready to go.
“We ended up getting in a little ‘thud’ scrimmaging and playing some football. I think we did four team periods, and probably put them through 60 plays. We got a tremendous amount done today.”
The Commodores will return to work Wednesday and are on schedule to hold seven more practices before the Spring Showcase, which Mason is using as a featured practice of Spring Ball. The Showcase is March 25 in Vanderbilt Stadium starting at 10 a.m. The free event will include 2017 schedule poster giveaways, kids activities and post-practice autographs with Vanderbilt players.
Stankavage, Wallace competing to backup Shurmur
Shawn Stankavage (R-Jr.) and Deuce Wallace (R-Fr.) are competing for the top backup spot to starting quarterback Kyle Shurmur (Jr.).
Stankavage, who has been bothered by leg injuries for the last two years, and Wallace have looked impressive this spring. Both have shown accuracy on their throws and appear to have a strong understanding of the Commodore offense.
Skule, Reagan and Pfeifer providing leadership upfront
Though the Commodore offensive line lacks a single senior, the unit is getting excellent leadership this spring from returning starters Bruno Reagan (R-Jr., OG), Justin Skule (Jr., OT) and Ean Pfeifer (R-So., OG). All three have shown improvement during spring drills with Skule impressing after moving to left tackle.
Offensive line coach Cameron Norcross has worked physical Bailey Granier (R-Jr.) at right tackle early in Spring Ball. Jared Southers (R-So.), Devin Cochran (R-Fr.) and Braden Kopp (R-Fr.) are also getting snaps at tackle.
Cole Hardin (Jr.) and Sean Auwae-McMoore (R-Fr.) are looking to replace the departed Barrett Gouger as the starting center.
