Aug. 1, 2012
NEW: 
Highlights from SEC Media Days | 
Move-in Photos
Nashville, Tenn. – Over 100 Commodore football prospects made their way back to campus Wednesday, one day before Head Coach James Franklin opens preseason camp at Vanderbilt.
The players checked into dorms at the Ingram Commons Wednesday afternoon, then got to examine several improvements to McGugin Athletics Center, including the renovated Hendrix Room dining hall and a second floor auditorium-meeting room expansion. ( Move-in Photos)
The Commodores, coming off an AutoZone Liberty Bowl appearance, open preseason camp Thursday afternoon. The Commodores will practice daily through Saturday, and participate in Dore Jam fan day activities Sunday.
Franklin is eager to see the players back in action at the John Rich Practice Facility.
“All of us, the coaches, players and staff are excited to get started,” Franklin said. “It feels much different because we’ve had a full year together. Everybody now understands the expectations we have for this program, and how we compete.
“The players are coming off an excellent summer. They have worked hard to get bigger, stronger and faster. I’m looking forward to see how that translates to the field,” Franklin added.
The four-week camp will prepare the Commodores for their season opener against South Carolina. Kickoff for the South Carolina game in Vanderbilt Stadium, scheduled Thursday, Aug. 30, is 6 p.m.
The Commodores return nearly 50 letterwinners from a year ago. On offense, nine starters are back, including All-Southeastern Conference tailback Zac Stacy, quarterback Jordan Rodgers, and wide receivers Jordan Matthews and Chris Boyd. Eight defensive starters also are back, including All-SEC candidates Rob Lohr at tackle, Walker May at end and Trey Wilson at cornerback. Punter Richard Kent and two kickers with starting experience, Ryan Fowler and Carey Spear, also return.
102.5 The Game to Broadcast Live at Opening Practice
102.5 The Game’s afternoon drive broadcast team of George Plaster, Willy Daunic and Darren McFarland will air their show Thursday from the patio overlooking practice. The trio, owners of a former afternoon show that dominated the Nashville market, have recently syndicated their “Sports Night” program at 102.5 The Game and other stations across Middle Tennessee. The show will air from 3-7 p.m.
Dore Jam Fan Day this Sunday, Aug. 5, from 4-6 p.m.
The team’s annual Dore Jam fan day, which features coach and player autographs, poster giveaways and a variety of kid’s activities, will be held this Sunday at the John Rich Practice Facility. It is scheduled from 4-6 p.m.
The popular annual event is free to Commodore followers. Fans can get autographs from Franklin, his staff and the entire Vanderbilt team on free posters distributed at the gate off Natchez Trace. Several inflatables are available for young kids in attendance. Concessions, including cotton candy, snow cones and bottled water will be provided.
Season tickets can be purchased at the event from the Vanderbilt ticket office. In addition, Barnes & Noble at Vanderbilt University will be on site with Commodore merchandise.
Parking for the event is free in Lot 74, the surface lot located across Natchez Trace from the practice facility and track complex.
Looking Back at SEC Media Days
On the eve of Vanderbilt hosting their own media day for local media, lets take a look back to Vanderbilt’s trip to SEC Media Days in Hoover, Ala., on July 17. View highlights of the trip that featured Head Coach James Franklin, quarterback Jordan Rodgers, running back Zac Stacy and defensive back Trey Wilson. WATCH
