Following coach Bobby Johnson's press conference, I had a chance to catch up with captains George Smith and Reshard Langford as they count down the hours until the Commodores' season opener Thursday night at Miami of Ohio.
GEORGE SMITH
Address how the receiving corps looks in your absence.
GS: We’re strong in the receiving corps. Sean Walker has become one of the biggest vocal leaders I’ve ever seen. He’s got a world of confidence.
It's been reported that Sean Walker has had a great camp, even staying after practice to run routes.
GS: Something like that, staying after practice, is a ritual for receivers. Sean has been working hard. Ever since I went down, I think he knew in his head that he had to step up and be a vocal leader and lead by example.
What should we expect from Jamie Graham?
GS: We don’t like at him like a young guy. He’s played basketball and played in front of big crowds and that gives us a lot of confidence knowing that he can perform under pressure.
Do you think playing basketball helps with football?
GS: I think anybody who’s played on TV or played with games on the line, that definitely has to be taken into effect.
What will it be like to watch from the sidelines on Thursday?
GS: I’m going to be the biggest cheerleader on Thursday and that’s not a tough job for me.
You have to be careful not to hurt the foot again.
GS: I’ve got the one hop on lock. I’m looking forward to cheering on my teammates and making sure that they can do the best that they can do on Thursday.
How has it been preparing for two quarterbacks?
GS: I think it’s a great luxury. Both of them are well-prepared and I think I, along with the rest of the team, have confidence in both of them. Both of them have been in big games and made big plays and that’s exciting to know that you have two quarterbacks capable of winning games.
Who are some guys that you think are in store for a big year?
GS: Jamie Graham, Casey Hayward, a lot of guys on the offensive line...And, how can I forget my No. 1 step-up guy, Chris Marve. I'm looking for a great season out of him. He’s not going to be a freshman, especially after the first game.
Talk about the growth of the program in your time here.
GS: I think this is the fastest team I’ve ever seen, fastest defense I’ve ever seen, and that’s exciting because I get to go against them. That makes me better.
You face both D.J. Moore and Myron Lewis on a daily basis. While D.J. gets a lot of the hype, how do they compare?
GS: Myron is just as good, 6’2", 6’3", 190 (pounds), long arms, can steer you any direction he wants you to.
RESHARD LANGFORD
How excited are you for the season to start?
RL: We’re just ready to go out and play. We’ve been talking about it all season, changing this program, changing things around here. We’re just ready to go play.
How much sleep do you expect to get this week?
RL: I didn’t sleep much last night. But I’m going to sleep, and do what I have to do to prepare myself to get ready for this game.
What will it take for the defense to be as good or better than it was last year?
RL: I feel like playing defense is all about will and how much do you not want the other team to score or complete a pass on you or run the ball on you, and I think we’ve got that. We can be just as good or better than we were last year.
What's the biggest question mark you have with your defense?
RL: I don’t have any question marks at all. I think we’ll go in confident, ready to play, we’ll play hard from start to finish.
What impresses you most about Chris Marve?
RL: His attitude about the game. He loves the game. I enjoy when he’s out on the field, I enjoy all my guys out there. Just his intensity, his love for the game, his spirit about it, is just amazing.
How much different is it being a senior?
RL: It’s a little different. I have a lot more knowledge. I know what’s going on. I can see things differently than some other players might see things. It makes the game a lot easier and it slows it down for me.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Vanderbilt football notebook
Just got back from Vanderbilt's first weekly press conference and here's a look at what we learned from coach Bobby Johnson.
And the quarterback is...
As expected, Johnson did not say whether Chris Nickson and Mackenzi Adams would get the nod in Thursday's season opener at Miami of Ohio.
"We’ve got another important day of practice today and we’ll probably make a decision right after that," Johnson said.
Tonight's practice could be critical in determining the starter.
"We’re going to put them up against Miami of Ohio’s defense out there as best we can show it, and we’re going to make reads today and we’re going to make decisions today and we’re going to throw the ball today," Johnson said.
While Johnson did not plan to wait this long to name a starter, he said he is not surprised given the two quarterbacks' similarities.
"I kind of thought it would come this way because I think, again, they’re very capable," he said. "Both guys have done it in the past, both guys have played extremely well for us in the past, and I expected it to be a tough battle."
"I think both guys know they’re capable of running our offense, and they’ve done it before, and they’re both very confident," Johnson added.
Johnson said he plans to stick with a starter during the regular season, since it's important that one quarterback receives the majority of reps in practice. At the same time, he added that they're going to be prepared for all four quarterbacks to play.
"I think that’s the luxury that we have with two quarterbacks, and actually all four," Johnson said. "We don’t have to have a separate game plan for any of them. We can get them in the game and they can execute our game plan without having to make any major changes."
Vandy won't underestimate opponent
Johnson knows his squad isn't going to take Miami lightly, even with South Carolina on the horizon.
"Anybody on our schedule can beat us and we can beat anybody on our schedule," he said. "We have to plan to play well, and that’s what we’ve been preaching to our guys, all the little things – taking care of the ball, no penalties, be great on special teams – we’ve got to be good at right off the bat."
"I don’t care who they are, what conference they’re in, they’re tough," Johnson said. "I think it’s been proven a bunch here in the last few years that anybody can beat anybody. Appalachian (State)-Michigan, Louisiana whoever (Monroe) beating Alabama, it’s hard to win games. You’ve got to be ready to go every week."
Thursday night trade off
The fact that Vanderbilt plays back-to-back Thursday night games on ESPNU and ESPN, respectively, to start the season does not come without a price.
"Two Thursday night games really makes you think it out a little bit," Johnson said. "We’re running around saying, ‘Well today is Monday but it’s actually Wednesday’ and the next thing you know you think it’s Christmas. It is different, especially now that school has started."
Different does not necessarily mean bad, Johnson said.
"It’s not that bad if you do a little planning," he said. "We’ll have to practice next weekend. Saturday, you think you’re playing, but no, you’re not playing, you’re practicing. But, we appreciate the opportunity to go out and play two Thursday games and be on ESPNU this week and ESPN the next week. That is exposure for our program and we’re willing to pay the price of doing that."
Three more observations
1. Regarding the offensive line, Johnson said, "I think we’re more athletic there and hopefully that’s going to mean that as soon as we get those guys some experience, we’ll be just as good or better on the offensive line.
2. Johnson is expecting big things from running back Gaston Miller, who redshirted last season after playing sparingly as a true freshman in 2006. "Over that time, he’s gotten stronger, he’s improved his pass protection, he’s just as fast," Johnson said.
3. A number of true freshmen will contribute on Thursday: wide receiver Jon Cole, safety Sean Richardson, cornerback Casey Hayward and defensive tackles Ryan Seymour and Rob Lohr.
And the quarterback is...
As expected, Johnson did not say whether Chris Nickson and Mackenzi Adams would get the nod in Thursday's season opener at Miami of Ohio.
"We’ve got another important day of practice today and we’ll probably make a decision right after that," Johnson said.
Tonight's practice could be critical in determining the starter.
"We’re going to put them up against Miami of Ohio’s defense out there as best we can show it, and we’re going to make reads today and we’re going to make decisions today and we’re going to throw the ball today," Johnson said.
While Johnson did not plan to wait this long to name a starter, he said he is not surprised given the two quarterbacks' similarities.
"I kind of thought it would come this way because I think, again, they’re very capable," he said. "Both guys have done it in the past, both guys have played extremely well for us in the past, and I expected it to be a tough battle."
"I think both guys know they’re capable of running our offense, and they’ve done it before, and they’re both very confident," Johnson added.
Johnson said he plans to stick with a starter during the regular season, since it's important that one quarterback receives the majority of reps in practice. At the same time, he added that they're going to be prepared for all four quarterbacks to play.
"I think that’s the luxury that we have with two quarterbacks, and actually all four," Johnson said. "We don’t have to have a separate game plan for any of them. We can get them in the game and they can execute our game plan without having to make any major changes."
Vandy won't underestimate opponent
Johnson knows his squad isn't going to take Miami lightly, even with South Carolina on the horizon.
"Anybody on our schedule can beat us and we can beat anybody on our schedule," he said. "We have to plan to play well, and that’s what we’ve been preaching to our guys, all the little things – taking care of the ball, no penalties, be great on special teams – we’ve got to be good at right off the bat."
"I don’t care who they are, what conference they’re in, they’re tough," Johnson said. "I think it’s been proven a bunch here in the last few years that anybody can beat anybody. Appalachian (State)-Michigan, Louisiana whoever (Monroe) beating Alabama, it’s hard to win games. You’ve got to be ready to go every week."
Thursday night trade off
The fact that Vanderbilt plays back-to-back Thursday night games on ESPNU and ESPN, respectively, to start the season does not come without a price.
"Two Thursday night games really makes you think it out a little bit," Johnson said. "We’re running around saying, ‘Well today is Monday but it’s actually Wednesday’ and the next thing you know you think it’s Christmas. It is different, especially now that school has started."
Different does not necessarily mean bad, Johnson said.
"It’s not that bad if you do a little planning," he said. "We’ll have to practice next weekend. Saturday, you think you’re playing, but no, you’re not playing, you’re practicing. But, we appreciate the opportunity to go out and play two Thursday games and be on ESPNU this week and ESPN the next week. That is exposure for our program and we’re willing to pay the price of doing that."
Three more observations
1. Regarding the offensive line, Johnson said, "I think we’re more athletic there and hopefully that’s going to mean that as soon as we get those guys some experience, we’ll be just as good or better on the offensive line.
2. Johnson is expecting big things from running back Gaston Miller, who redshirted last season after playing sparingly as a true freshman in 2006. "Over that time, he’s gotten stronger, he’s improved his pass protection, he’s just as fast," Johnson said.
3. A number of true freshmen will contribute on Thursday: wide receiver Jon Cole, safety Sean Richardson, cornerback Casey Hayward and defensive tackles Ryan Seymour and Rob Lohr.
Week 1 Depth Chart
Here's a look at Vanderbilt's depth chart heading into the final week of preseason practice:
OFFENSE
QB: Chris Nickson or Mackenzi Adams
RB: Jeff Jennings or Jared Hawkins
Z WR: Sean Walker
Chris Reinert
X WR: Jamie Graham or Udom Umoh
S WR: Justin Wheeler
John Cole
TE: Austin Monahan
Jake Bradford or Brandon Barden
LT: Reilly Lauer
Kyle Fischer
LG: Ryan Custer
Drew Gardner
C: Bradley Vierling
Joey Bailey
RG: Joey Bailey
Nick Forte
RT: Thomas Welch
Eric Hensley
DEFENSE
DE: Steven Stone
Teriall Brannon
DT: Greg Billinger
Ryan Seymour or Rob Lohr
DT: Adam Smotherman
T.J. Greestone
DE: Broderick Stewart
Theron Kadri
SLB: John Stokes
Brent Trice
MLB: Chris Marve
Chris Johnson
WLB: Patrick Benoist
Nathan Campbell
CB: D.J. Moore
Josh Allen
SS: Reshard Langford
Sean Richardson
FS: Ryan Hamilton
Joel Caldwell
CB: Myron Lewis
Casey Hayward
NB: Darlron Spead
Jared Fagan
SPECIALISTS
PK: Bryant Hahnfeldt
SN: John Stokes
H: Mackenzi Adams
KO: Bryant Hahnfeldt
KR: D.J. Moore and Sean Walker
PR: D.J. Moore and Sean Walker
P: Brett Upson
OFFENSE
QB: Chris Nickson or Mackenzi Adams
RB: Jeff Jennings or Jared Hawkins
Z WR: Sean Walker
Chris Reinert
X WR: Jamie Graham or Udom Umoh
S WR: Justin Wheeler
John Cole
TE: Austin Monahan
Jake Bradford or Brandon Barden
LT: Reilly Lauer
Kyle Fischer
LG: Ryan Custer
Drew Gardner
C: Bradley Vierling
Joey Bailey
RG: Joey Bailey
Nick Forte
RT: Thomas Welch
Eric Hensley
DEFENSE
DE: Steven Stone
Teriall Brannon
DT: Greg Billinger
Ryan Seymour or Rob Lohr
DT: Adam Smotherman
T.J. Greestone
DE: Broderick Stewart
Theron Kadri
SLB: John Stokes
Brent Trice
MLB: Chris Marve
Chris Johnson
WLB: Patrick Benoist
Nathan Campbell
CB: D.J. Moore
Josh Allen
SS: Reshard Langford
Sean Richardson
FS: Ryan Hamilton
Joel Caldwell
CB: Myron Lewis
Casey Hayward
NB: Darlron Spead
Jared Fagan
SPECIALISTS
PK: Bryant Hahnfeldt
SN: John Stokes
H: Mackenzi Adams
KO: Bryant Hahnfeldt
KR: D.J. Moore and Sean Walker
PR: D.J. Moore and Sean Walker
P: Brett Upson
Commodore Banter (8/25)
It's the first day of class here at Vanderbilt and the football season starts in three days. It doesn't get much better than that.
I'll be on hand for the Commodores' first weekly press conference today at noon and will have plenty of interviews up for you guys later on this afternoon so make sure to check back throughout the day.
In the meantime, here's a few links on this glorious, albeit rainy, Monday morning...
Bobby Johnson isn't going to name a starter at quarterback before the season opener Thursday at Miami of Ohio, but Mo Patton of The Tennessean wonders if that's a good thing.
The article raises a number of compelling points:
1) Competition in practice could take away from the preparation process for whoever is eventually named the starter.
"Getting (the starter) ready, he needs about 85 or 90 percent of the reps," said former VU quarterback Kurt Page. "You really need to get those reps in practice — get your pre-snap reads, your checks, your audibles. The best players get better by doing it over and over. By splitting the reps, neither one of them are ready. they're both half-ready."
2) The starter might not be as confident, constantly looking over his shoulder, wondering whether he'll be pulled after making a mistake.
At the same time, Johnson wants to be sure that his decision is the correct one.
"I just want to make sure we pick the right one," Johnson said. "They're working awfully hard right now. They all want to win it. That's what you want in practice. You want them working hard, trying to make the plays they're supposed to make in practice — not saying, 'I'll make that one in the game.' "
Also, Brett Hait of The Nashville City Paper poses the question we all want to ask: Can Johnson push the Commodores over the proverbial “hump?”
One stat that really jumped out at me: "From the final two games of 1995 to 2005, the Commodores won only six of 73 SEC games." Think about that for a second, and then try to diminish the job Johnson has done with this program.
“I know how this close this team is," said former VU safety Corey Chavous. "I just want them to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Everything is in place for them to do it now. They will get over the hump, and that’s how we have to think.”
Also, from Sunday's paper, Patton has Vanderbilt's game-by-game outlook.
Finally, props to the women's soccer team for edging Belmont 1-0 in double OT.
I'm off to McGugin for the press conference, but be sure to check back this afternoon for all the press conference highlights.
I'll be on hand for the Commodores' first weekly press conference today at noon and will have plenty of interviews up for you guys later on this afternoon so make sure to check back throughout the day.
In the meantime, here's a few links on this glorious, albeit rainy, Monday morning...
Bobby Johnson isn't going to name a starter at quarterback before the season opener Thursday at Miami of Ohio, but Mo Patton of The Tennessean wonders if that's a good thing.
The article raises a number of compelling points:
1) Competition in practice could take away from the preparation process for whoever is eventually named the starter.
"Getting (the starter) ready, he needs about 85 or 90 percent of the reps," said former VU quarterback Kurt Page. "You really need to get those reps in practice — get your pre-snap reads, your checks, your audibles. The best players get better by doing it over and over. By splitting the reps, neither one of them are ready. they're both half-ready."
2) The starter might not be as confident, constantly looking over his shoulder, wondering whether he'll be pulled after making a mistake.
At the same time, Johnson wants to be sure that his decision is the correct one.
"I just want to make sure we pick the right one," Johnson said. "They're working awfully hard right now. They all want to win it. That's what you want in practice. You want them working hard, trying to make the plays they're supposed to make in practice — not saying, 'I'll make that one in the game.' "
Also, Brett Hait of The Nashville City Paper poses the question we all want to ask: Can Johnson push the Commodores over the proverbial “hump?”
One stat that really jumped out at me: "From the final two games of 1995 to 2005, the Commodores won only six of 73 SEC games." Think about that for a second, and then try to diminish the job Johnson has done with this program.
“I know how this close this team is," said former VU safety Corey Chavous. "I just want them to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Everything is in place for them to do it now. They will get over the hump, and that’s how we have to think.”
Also, from Sunday's paper, Patton has Vanderbilt's game-by-game outlook.
Finally, props to the women's soccer team for edging Belmont 1-0 in double OT.
I'm off to McGugin for the press conference, but be sure to check back this afternoon for all the press conference highlights.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Men's Basketball Ranked 55th in Pre-Season Poll
While the football season is (thankfully) just around the corner, it is never too late to start thinking about our basketball team. That being said, here is a link to a Rivals.com article that puts the Commodores in the 55 spot in a national preseason poll.
I think that their analysis is dead on- the team will high on talent but short on experience and will need to push to stay off of the NCAA tournament bubble. As the article states, I think it is safe look for most of the newcomers to step up in a big way, especially redshirt freshman Festus Ezeli. I cannot wait to see the look on the face of the opposing team when the big man and A.J. Ogilvy step onto the court at the same time.
My prediction? Assuming that all of the freshman play as expected and the veterans step up, the team will play in a third straight NCAA tournament, this time as an 8 seed. A 55 ranking is fair, but a little low in my opinion.
What do you think? Will the team prove the Rivals editors wrong and sneak their way into the top 25? Or will they tank with the absence of Shan Foster and company?
The Rivals Article
I think that their analysis is dead on- the team will high on talent but short on experience and will need to push to stay off of the NCAA tournament bubble. As the article states, I think it is safe look for most of the newcomers to step up in a big way, especially redshirt freshman Festus Ezeli. I cannot wait to see the look on the face of the opposing team when the big man and A.J. Ogilvy step onto the court at the same time.
My prediction? Assuming that all of the freshman play as expected and the veterans step up, the team will play in a third straight NCAA tournament, this time as an 8 seed. A 55 ranking is fair, but a little low in my opinion.
What do you think? Will the team prove the Rivals editors wrong and sneak their way into the top 25? Or will they tank with the absence of Shan Foster and company?
The Rivals Article
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Vandy Secondary getting a lot of respect
Two years ago, many around Vandy felt that the secondary was a major weakness so much so that two freshmen played major minutes. What a difference two years makes as D.J. Moore and Myron Lewis have become two of the best corners in the nation. Check out this ranking by Scout.com. The site ranks Vanderbilt's secondary number three in the nation behind only national champion contenders Ohio State and Southern Cal!!! Let's hope Scout is right and the Vandy secondary lives up to the hype. They have the talent that's for sure.
Here is another great link from Chris Low of ESPN.com where he talks to D.J., Coach Johnson, and Broderick Stewart.
Broderick says that as long as he stays healthy, Vandy are going to a bowl. Gotta love the optimism.
D.J. talks about his added role this upcoming season and how he has done more off-season conditioning to prepare.
Great interview with CBJ. I don't love the guy, but you can't knock his character, how much he has improved Vandy football, or the way he represents the university.
Here is another great link from Chris Low of ESPN.com where he talks to D.J., Coach Johnson, and Broderick Stewart.
Broderick says that as long as he stays healthy, Vandy are going to a bowl. Gotta love the optimism.
D.J. talks about his added role this upcoming season and how he has done more off-season conditioning to prepare.
Great interview with CBJ. I don't love the guy, but you can't knock his character, how much he has improved Vandy football, or the way he represents the university.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
The Sports VU Update
Contrary to popular belief, I am still alive. For the past two weeks, I have been leading orientation for first-year Vanderbilt students. We've been working from seven to seven every day, which has made posting somewhat difficult.
All I can say is that I apologize for the site's inactivity and that I can't wait to get back to the keyboard. It's been weird being away from you guys for so long.
With that said, The Sports VU will return better than ever on Monday. So, go ahead and enjoy the rest of the week. I can't wait for the season to begin and I'll see you guys soon.
All I can say is that I apologize for the site's inactivity and that I can't wait to get back to the keyboard. It's been weird being away from you guys for so long.
With that said, The Sports VU will return better than ever on Monday. So, go ahead and enjoy the rest of the week. I can't wait for the season to begin and I'll see you guys soon.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Chris Aaron released from the hospital
There was a scary moment for the Commodores yesterday, as redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Chris Aaron had to go to the hospital after suffering what appeared to be a neck injury during live drills.
However, the hospitalization was a precautionary measure and Aaron was released late last night.
Coach Bobby Johnson gave well-deserved kudos to the Vanderbilt training staff for handling the matter promptly and successfully.
"We have a fine training staff and they're going to go to the nth degree to make sure they're doing the right thing and keeping them safe," Johnson said.
However, the hospitalization was a precautionary measure and Aaron was released late last night.
Coach Bobby Johnson gave well-deserved kudos to the Vanderbilt training staff for handling the matter promptly and successfully.
"We have a fine training staff and they're going to go to the nth degree to make sure they're doing the right thing and keeping them safe," Johnson said.
Pedro Alvarez Negotiations
If there was any hope Pedro Alvarez might sign a major league deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates, it might be fading, writes Dejan Kovacevi of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
- The reason: Drafted players can have their contracts fully rescinded if a physical taken after the signing discovers a major issue, but only if those are minor league contracts. The same is not true of major league contracts.
- With Major League Baseball's signing deadline at midnight tomorrow, some progress probably would have been needed toward a major league contract by yesterday to afford the time to arrange and perform the physical. But no major league contract was known to have been offered, as of yesterday afternoon.
As tenuous as this reason may seem, for an organization such as the Pirates with a such limited resources, an investment of the magnitude required to sign a Scott Boras client (Pedro Alvarez) must be made with extreme caution. If Alvarez were offered a minor league contract, it would hard be imagining the deal going through because of Boras.
That said, the Pirates would receive the No. 3 overall pick in the 2009 MLB draft if they are unable to come to terms with Alvarez. Let's hope he signs, especially considering the Pirates' dire need for a quality bat, but some more majestic shots at Hawkins Field wouldn't exactly be a bad thing.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Commodore Banter (8/11)
A few links to pass along as everyone gets caught up in Michael Phelps fever...
Most of you probably don't know much about Vanderbilt linebacker Brandon Bryant. After reading this story by Brett Hait of The Nashville City Paper, you'll be blown away. The last year of his life has been the most trying one could ever imagine.
“It’s been quite eventful, to say the least,” he said. “At times it’s been very rough, but it’s been a positive experience. I wouldn’t ask for it to play out any different. Some say that’s strange, but we all have something in store for us.
“As long as we hold true to that, we realize that things happen in life for a reason. Just keep pressing forward.”
Meanwhile, another linebacker, redshirt freshman Chris Marve, looks to be a four-year stater for the Commodores, according to Mo Patton of The Tennessean.
"He's got an intensity about him that you really like," said Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson. "Every play, he seems to be going all-out, full speed, trying to get his job done.
"He's got a nasty attitude when he gets to the ball. He's going to finish plays."
Note that Marve had 178 tackles in just 14 games as a high school senior.
"Playing linebacker, you've got to love contact," he said. "That's one thing about me, I love to hit."
Commodore fans love to hear that.
In case you weren't sure that Vanderbilt is a linebacker factory, here's another story about former Commodore Marcus Buggs, who's been impressive at camp with the Buffalo Bills. With Marve set to take over for Jonathan Goff in the middle, I'd imagine that it will be harder for the Dores to replace the high-energy Buggs on the outside.
And, while this linebacker has yet to play a down in three years, it's hard not to root for walk-on Bo "Rudy" Baggerley. I made up the nickname, but I think it's appropriate...
In baseball news, David Price was promoted to Triple-A Durham and could be joining the big-league club soon.
"We have spoken about him in regard to him prior to September," said Rays manager Joe Maddon. "We've had a lot of discussions, and we just want to do the right thing as we perceive them to be the right things. ... His performance to this point has been spectacular."
Meanwhile, the Pirates are fed up with Pedro Alvarez, his agent Scott Boras in particular.
I'd be shocked if Alvarez doesn't sign, but I think the battle between Boras and the Pirates is a reflective of a larger problem in Major League Baseball.
"We need to put together a system that fairly compensates the highly talented players and at the same time makes it easier for the player and the club to get the player (signed)," said Pittsburgh team president Frank Coonelly.
Also, props to senior Andrew Giobbi, who won the Cape Cod Baseball League's Manny Robello 10th Player Award, given to a player who performs above and beyond expectations.
Most of you probably don't know much about Vanderbilt linebacker Brandon Bryant. After reading this story by Brett Hait of The Nashville City Paper, you'll be blown away. The last year of his life has been the most trying one could ever imagine.
“It’s been quite eventful, to say the least,” he said. “At times it’s been very rough, but it’s been a positive experience. I wouldn’t ask for it to play out any different. Some say that’s strange, but we all have something in store for us.
“As long as we hold true to that, we realize that things happen in life for a reason. Just keep pressing forward.”
Meanwhile, another linebacker, redshirt freshman Chris Marve, looks to be a four-year stater for the Commodores, according to Mo Patton of The Tennessean.
"He's got an intensity about him that you really like," said Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson. "Every play, he seems to be going all-out, full speed, trying to get his job done.
"He's got a nasty attitude when he gets to the ball. He's going to finish plays."
Note that Marve had 178 tackles in just 14 games as a high school senior.
"Playing linebacker, you've got to love contact," he said. "That's one thing about me, I love to hit."
Commodore fans love to hear that.
In case you weren't sure that Vanderbilt is a linebacker factory, here's another story about former Commodore Marcus Buggs, who's been impressive at camp with the Buffalo Bills. With Marve set to take over for Jonathan Goff in the middle, I'd imagine that it will be harder for the Dores to replace the high-energy Buggs on the outside.
And, while this linebacker has yet to play a down in three years, it's hard not to root for walk-on Bo "Rudy" Baggerley. I made up the nickname, but I think it's appropriate...
In baseball news, David Price was promoted to Triple-A Durham and could be joining the big-league club soon.
"We have spoken about him in regard to him prior to September," said Rays manager Joe Maddon. "We've had a lot of discussions, and we just want to do the right thing as we perceive them to be the right things. ... His performance to this point has been spectacular."
Meanwhile, the Pirates are fed up with Pedro Alvarez, his agent Scott Boras in particular.
I'd be shocked if Alvarez doesn't sign, but I think the battle between Boras and the Pirates is a reflective of a larger problem in Major League Baseball.
"We need to put together a system that fairly compensates the highly talented players and at the same time makes it easier for the player and the club to get the player (signed)," said Pittsburgh team president Frank Coonelly.
Also, props to senior Andrew Giobbi, who won the Cape Cod Baseball League's Manny Robello 10th Player Award, given to a player who performs above and beyond expectations.
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