Here are some quick hitters from Vanderbilt's first fall practice on Thursday. Keep in mind I was taking pictures throughout the entire practice (which I hope you guys will like when I post later on) so I didn't have my eyes completely glued on every inch of practice but here are my takeaways:
Freshmen:
There were numerous freshmen that made some noise on Thursday that included the likes of Josh Smith, Donovan Sheffield, Justin Skule, Josh Crawford, and Jay Hockaday. Smith and Sheffield got reps in with the second team defense with Smith playing outside linebacker. Skule also got some second team reps at left tackle.
Crawford showed off a really good burst, footwork, and shiftiness in traffic throughout practice on Thursday - he did fumble the ball early on after catching a pass, but learned from his mistake and secured the rock the rest of the day.
Jay Hockaday showed off his athleticism and quickness at the linebacker spot in coverage, he collected an interception and also broke up another pass that was almost picked off as well.
NEWS FLASH: Darion DeBrossard is a big dude! He did look like a freshman playing a relatively new position on Thursday, but I think he will absorb and learn a lot during fall camp and could contribute some this season at nose.
As expected, Kyle Shurmur showed a lot of poise and command as a freshman quarterback on Thursday. The Commodores future at quarterback is looking bright and if Shurmur continues to make strides this fall, it could be possible he turns this into a three-way battle...possibly.
QB's:
The reps were really equal among McCrary and Freebeck from what I could tell. Freebeck got off to a bit of a cold start and made some ill-advised throws. Despite that, I wouldn't say one really stood out over the other from my point of view (which was behind a camera lens most of the time).
WR's:
It's clear the coaching staff want the ball in Darrius Sims' hands, he was on offense all day and made nifty catch on a deep pass down the sideline. Trent Sherfield and Rashad Canty also had solid performances during today's practice and stood out.
RB's:
I already mentioned Josh Crawford looking like a nice addition to the depth chart, but Ralph Webb showed off some impressive quickness and change-of-direction with his reps today.
Defense:
The first-team looked a little something like this: Caleb Azubike and Jay Woods at DE, Adam Butler at nose. Darrion Herring and Nigel Bowden as inside LB's with Stephen Weatherly and Nehemiah Mitchell on the outside. Cornerbacks are Torren McGaster and Tre Bell with Andrew Williamson and Oren Burks in the backfield.
Offensive Line:
Some freshmen offensive lineman were showing off some stylish haircuts today as part of their welcoming to the team. I noticed "The Monk" and "We're Shaving a Streak Down the Middle of your Head so you Look Like a Bald Guy" hair fashions today.
The first team O-line appear to be the crew of Andrew Jelks, Jake Bernstein, Spencer Pulley, Delando Crooks, and Blake Fromang.
Pace:
The pace of practice on Thursday was quick, organized, and well-prepared. As soon as the horn blew to start another stanza of practice, their was a lot of hustle from both the players and the coaching staff.
Freshmen:
There were numerous freshmen that made some noise on Thursday that included the likes of Josh Smith, Donovan Sheffield, Justin Skule, Josh Crawford, and Jay Hockaday. Smith and Sheffield got reps in with the second team defense with Smith playing outside linebacker. Skule also got some second team reps at left tackle.
Crawford showed off a really good burst, footwork, and shiftiness in traffic throughout practice on Thursday - he did fumble the ball early on after catching a pass, but learned from his mistake and secured the rock the rest of the day.
Jay Hockaday showed off his athleticism and quickness at the linebacker spot in coverage, he collected an interception and also broke up another pass that was almost picked off as well.
NEWS FLASH: Darion DeBrossard is a big dude! He did look like a freshman playing a relatively new position on Thursday, but I think he will absorb and learn a lot during fall camp and could contribute some this season at nose.
As expected, Kyle Shurmur showed a lot of poise and command as a freshman quarterback on Thursday. The Commodores future at quarterback is looking bright and if Shurmur continues to make strides this fall, it could be possible he turns this into a three-way battle...possibly.
QB's:
The reps were really equal among McCrary and Freebeck from what I could tell. Freebeck got off to a bit of a cold start and made some ill-advised throws. Despite that, I wouldn't say one really stood out over the other from my point of view (which was behind a camera lens most of the time).
WR's:
It's clear the coaching staff want the ball in Darrius Sims' hands, he was on offense all day and made nifty catch on a deep pass down the sideline. Trent Sherfield and Rashad Canty also had solid performances during today's practice and stood out.
RB's:
I already mentioned Josh Crawford looking like a nice addition to the depth chart, but Ralph Webb showed off some impressive quickness and change-of-direction with his reps today.
Defense:
The first-team looked a little something like this: Caleb Azubike and Jay Woods at DE, Adam Butler at nose. Darrion Herring and Nigel Bowden as inside LB's with Stephen Weatherly and Nehemiah Mitchell on the outside. Cornerbacks are Torren McGaster and Tre Bell with Andrew Williamson and Oren Burks in the backfield.
Offensive Line:
Some freshmen offensive lineman were showing off some stylish haircuts today as part of their welcoming to the team. I noticed "The Monk" and "We're Shaving a Streak Down the Middle of your Head so you Look Like a Bald Guy" hair fashions today.
The first team O-line appear to be the crew of Andrew Jelks, Jake Bernstein, Spencer Pulley, Delando Crooks, and Blake Fromang.
Pace:
The pace of practice on Thursday was quick, organized, and well-prepared. As soon as the horn blew to start another stanza of practice, their was a lot of hustle from both the players and the coaching staff.
