Think Northwestern Coach Pat Fitzgerald is overconfident about facing Vandy, which had a miserable 2-10 record last season?
Um, what 2-10 record?
In yesterday's press conference, Fitzgerald actually said this: "Looking at Vanderbilt, it's a team that's coming off not only going to a bowl game but winning one. It's a team that we believe is going to come together after going through a little off-the-field adversity, losing one of their recruits, Coach Johnson retiring and Coach (Robbie) Caldwell taking over. It's a team that will be unified, on a mission and the challenge for us is to be focused and handle our business the right way on the road against a tough SEC opponent."
OK, all that other stuff about being on a mission may be true. But coming off a bowl victory? Maybe he needs to watch more game film... of Vandy stinking up the field last season.
Meanwhile, Coach Caldwell is saying in his press conference that Northwestern is a dangerous team, especially because the Wildcats beat Auburn in a New Year's bowl game.
Um, Northwestern lost to Auburn in overtime.
Which, of course, is much better than going 2-10.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Nine true freshmen make Vanderbilt's opening day depth chart
We’ve compared the new depth chart to the pre-camp depth chart to see who’s on the rise and who’s fallen off the radar. On the rise: A whopping nine true freshmen, including Chase Garnham, the only newbie to crack the front seven. Here's a breakdown:
TRUE FRESHMEN
An unprecedented (for Vandy) nine true freshmen land on the opening day depth chart, which doesn’t include returners.
• Jordan Matthews, WR (co-starter with Turner Wimberly)
• Jonathan Krause, WR
• James Kittredge, C
• Logan Stewart, OG
• Chase White, OT
• Chase Garnham, OLB
• Kenny Ladler, FS
• Andre Simmons, SS
• Carey Spear, PK (starting kick-off man)
REDSHIRT FRESHMEN
These redshirt freshmen made the list, and all but Johnston also made it on the pre-camp chart:
• Wesley Johnston, OT (starter)
• Wesley Tate, RB
• Mason Johnston, TE
• Mylon Brown, OG
OTHER ADDITIONS
These players weren’t on the pre-camp list but made the opening day roster:
• Akeem Dunham, WR (R-So)
• Josh Jelesky, DT (R-So)
• Nate Campbell, MLB (R-Sr)
• Eric Samuels, CB/KR (So)
NOTABLE ABSENCES
These players were listed on the pre-camp depth chart but are absent from the latest depth chart:
• Brady Brown, WR (R-Fr)
• Tray Herndon, WR (R-Jr)
• Jordan Rodgers, QB (Jr)
• Walker May, DE (R-Fr)
• Blake Southerland, LB (R-Fr)
• Al Owens, SS (R-So)
• Tristan Strong, LB (R-So) (injured, should return)
• Jamie Graham, CB (R-Jr) (injured, should return)
• Ryan Seymour, OT (R-So) (disciplinary issues)
• Adam Smotherman, DT (R-Sr) (injured, out indefinitely)
• Austin Monahan, TE (R-Jr) (injured, out for season)
• Chris Aaron, OG (R-Sr) (injured, likely for season)
OTHER SCHOLARSHIP PLAYERS NOT LISTED
• Justin Cabbagestalk, OL (R-Fr) (injured, out for season)
• Taylor Loftley, DT (R-So)
• Javon Marshall, DB (R-Fr)
• Thad McHaney, DE (R-Fr)
• Micah Powell, DB (R-So)
• Ryan van Rensburg, HB (R-Jr)
TRUE FRESHMEN NOT LISTED
• Chris Boyd, WR
• Andrew Bridges, OL
• Karl Butler, DB
• Steven Clarke, DB/RB
• Andrew East, LB/SN
• Blake Gowder, HB
• Andre Hal, CB/KR
• Fitz Lassing, TE
• Jared Morse, DT
• Trent Pruitt, WR
• Grant Ramsay, OL
• Thomas Ryan, DE
• Vince Taylor, DT
• Kyle Woestmann, DE
TRUE FRESHMEN
An unprecedented (for Vandy) nine true freshmen land on the opening day depth chart, which doesn’t include returners.
• Jordan Matthews, WR (co-starter with Turner Wimberly)
• Jonathan Krause, WR
• James Kittredge, C
• Logan Stewart, OG
• Chase White, OT
• Chase Garnham, OLB
• Kenny Ladler, FS
• Andre Simmons, SS
• Carey Spear, PK (starting kick-off man)
REDSHIRT FRESHMEN
These redshirt freshmen made the list, and all but Johnston also made it on the pre-camp chart:
• Wesley Johnston, OT (starter)
• Wesley Tate, RB
• Mason Johnston, TE
• Mylon Brown, OG
OTHER ADDITIONS
These players weren’t on the pre-camp list but made the opening day roster:
• Akeem Dunham, WR (R-So)
• Josh Jelesky, DT (R-So)
• Nate Campbell, MLB (R-Sr)
• Eric Samuels, CB/KR (So)
NOTABLE ABSENCES
These players were listed on the pre-camp depth chart but are absent from the latest depth chart:
• Brady Brown, WR (R-Fr)
• Tray Herndon, WR (R-Jr)
• Jordan Rodgers, QB (Jr)
• Walker May, DE (R-Fr)
• Blake Southerland, LB (R-Fr)
• Al Owens, SS (R-So)
• Tristan Strong, LB (R-So) (injured, should return)
• Jamie Graham, CB (R-Jr) (injured, should return)
• Ryan Seymour, OT (R-So) (disciplinary issues)
• Adam Smotherman, DT (R-Sr) (injured, out indefinitely)
• Austin Monahan, TE (R-Jr) (injured, out for season)
• Chris Aaron, OG (R-Sr) (injured, likely for season)
OTHER SCHOLARSHIP PLAYERS NOT LISTED
• Justin Cabbagestalk, OL (R-Fr) (injured, out for season)
• Taylor Loftley, DT (R-So)
• Javon Marshall, DB (R-Fr)
• Thad McHaney, DE (R-Fr)
• Micah Powell, DB (R-So)
• Ryan van Rensburg, HB (R-Jr)
TRUE FRESHMEN NOT LISTED
• Chris Boyd, WR
• Andrew Bridges, OL
• Karl Butler, DB
• Steven Clarke, DB/RB
• Andrew East, LB/SN
• Blake Gowder, HB
• Andre Hal, CB/KR
• Fitz Lassing, TE
• Jared Morse, DT
• Trent Pruitt, WR
• Grant Ramsay, OL
• Thomas Ryan, DE
• Vince Taylor, DT
• Kyle Woestmann, DE
Vanderbilt releases new football depth chart
Here’s Vanderbilt’s new depth chart
OFFENSE (includes two RBs and three WRs for 12 total players)
QB: (1) Larry Smith, (2) Jared Funk
WR: (1) John Cole, Udom Umoh and either Turner Wimberly or Jordan Matthews (2) Akeem Dunham, Jonathan Krause
RB: (1) Zac Stacy and either Warren Norman or Kennard Reeves, (2) Wesley Tate
TE: (1) Brandon Barden, (2) Mason Johnston
C: (1) Joey Bailey, (2) James Kittredge
G: (1) Jabo Burrow and Kyle Fischer, (2) Mylon Brown and Logan Stewart
T: (1) Caleb Welchans and Wesley Johnston, (2) Fischer and Chase White
DEFENSE
DT: (1) T.J. Greenstone and Rob Lohr, (2) Colt Nichter and Josh Jelesky
DE: (1) Teriall Brannon and either Theron Kadri or Tim Fugger, (2) Johnell Thomas
MLB: (1) Chris Marve (2) DeAndre Jones or Nate Campbell
OLB: (1) John Stokes and either Archibald Barnes or Dexter Daniels, (2) Chase Garnham
CB: (1) Casey Hayward and either Eddie Foster or Trey Wilson, (2) Eric Samuels
S: (1) Sean Richardson and Jay Fullam, (2) Kenny Ladler and Andre Simmons
SPECIAL TEAMS
FG: (1) Ryan Fowler, (2) Carey Spear
KO: (1) Carey Spear, (2) Ryan Fowler
P: (1) Richard Kent, (2) Ryan Fowler
SN: (1) David Giller or John Stokes
H: (1) Richard Kent (2) Charlie Goro
KR: (1) Warren Norman or Eric Samuels
PR: (1) John Cole, (2) Zac Stacy
OFFENSE (includes two RBs and three WRs for 12 total players)
QB: (1) Larry Smith, (2) Jared Funk
WR: (1) John Cole, Udom Umoh and either Turner Wimberly or Jordan Matthews (2) Akeem Dunham, Jonathan Krause
RB: (1) Zac Stacy and either Warren Norman or Kennard Reeves, (2) Wesley Tate
TE: (1) Brandon Barden, (2) Mason Johnston
C: (1) Joey Bailey, (2) James Kittredge
G: (1) Jabo Burrow and Kyle Fischer, (2) Mylon Brown and Logan Stewart
T: (1) Caleb Welchans and Wesley Johnston, (2) Fischer and Chase White
DEFENSE
DT: (1) T.J. Greenstone and Rob Lohr, (2) Colt Nichter and Josh Jelesky
DE: (1) Teriall Brannon and either Theron Kadri or Tim Fugger, (2) Johnell Thomas
MLB: (1) Chris Marve (2) DeAndre Jones or Nate Campbell
OLB: (1) John Stokes and either Archibald Barnes or Dexter Daniels, (2) Chase Garnham
CB: (1) Casey Hayward and either Eddie Foster or Trey Wilson, (2) Eric Samuels
S: (1) Sean Richardson and Jay Fullam, (2) Kenny Ladler and Andre Simmons
SPECIAL TEAMS
FG: (1) Ryan Fowler, (2) Carey Spear
KO: (1) Carey Spear, (2) Ryan Fowler
P: (1) Richard Kent, (2) Ryan Fowler
SN: (1) David Giller or John Stokes
H: (1) Richard Kent (2) Charlie Goro
KR: (1) Warren Norman or Eric Samuels
PR: (1) John Cole, (2) Zac Stacy
Moral Victory! predictions for the rest of the SEC
So we're picking Vanderbilt to go 6-6. Go ahead and say we're smoking something funny.
Here's how we think the league will fare:
SEC WEST
1. Alabama, 11-1 (7-1): Huge wins at home over Penn State, Florida and Auburn, but a late-season loss to LSU in Baton Rouge.
2. Auburn, 10-2 (6-2): Flying high at 8-0 after wins at home over Arkansas and LSU, but drop a shocker to Ole Miss in Oxford and then the Iron Bowl in Tuscaloosa.
3. LSU, 9-3 (5-3): Highlights include a season-opening victory over UNC in the Georgia Dome and a huge victory over Bama in Death Valley, but lowlights include road losses to Florida, Auburn and Arkansas.
4. Arkansas, 8-4 (4-4): A season-ending home win over LSU can't overshadow a drubbing by Alabama in Fayetteville and losses at Georgia, Auburn and South Carolina.
5. Ole Miss, 7-5 (3-5): An up and down year for Houston Nutt, who's gamble to take QB Jeremiah Masoli doesn't crap out but doesn't exactly come up big either. An Egg Bowl victory over Miss State and an upset over Auburn can't quite erase the sting of a home loss to Vandy, a heartbreaker in Knoxville, and demoralizing losses at Alabama, Arkansas and LSU.
6. Miss State, 5-7 (1-7): Dan Mullen still a year away but manages a road win over Top 25 Houston and an SEC victory against Kentucky.
SEC EAST
1. Florida, 11-1 (7-1): Yet another SEC championship berth, which ends in the Gators avenging their regular season loss to Alabama.
2. South Carolina, 9-3 (5-3): Spurrier's finest season as a Gamecock, with expected losses to Alabama and at Auburn and Florida but wins over everybody else.
2. Georgia, 9-3 (5-3): The Dawgs start the season with a loss at South Carolina and a must-win over Arkansas in Athens, but losses to Florida and at Auburn gall UGA fans.
4. Vanderbilt, 6-6 (3-5): After three straight wins early in the season (at Ole Miss and UConn and at home against Eastern Michigan), the Commodores find themselves in a 3-6 hole before finishing strong with wins at Kentucky and at home against Tennessee and Wake Forest.
5. Tennessee, 5-7 (2-6): The Vols have a brutal schedule with losses to Oregon, Florida, LSU, Georgia, South Carolina and of course Vanderbilt. SEC wins are over Ole Miss and Kentucky, both in Knoxville.
6. Kentucky, 4-8 (0-8): The Wildcats run of bowl bids ends with a series of bad breaks.
Here's how we think the league will fare:
SEC WEST
1. Alabama, 11-1 (7-1): Huge wins at home over Penn State, Florida and Auburn, but a late-season loss to LSU in Baton Rouge.
2. Auburn, 10-2 (6-2): Flying high at 8-0 after wins at home over Arkansas and LSU, but drop a shocker to Ole Miss in Oxford and then the Iron Bowl in Tuscaloosa.
3. LSU, 9-3 (5-3): Highlights include a season-opening victory over UNC in the Georgia Dome and a huge victory over Bama in Death Valley, but lowlights include road losses to Florida, Auburn and Arkansas.
4. Arkansas, 8-4 (4-4): A season-ending home win over LSU can't overshadow a drubbing by Alabama in Fayetteville and losses at Georgia, Auburn and South Carolina.
5. Ole Miss, 7-5 (3-5): An up and down year for Houston Nutt, who's gamble to take QB Jeremiah Masoli doesn't crap out but doesn't exactly come up big either. An Egg Bowl victory over Miss State and an upset over Auburn can't quite erase the sting of a home loss to Vandy, a heartbreaker in Knoxville, and demoralizing losses at Alabama, Arkansas and LSU.
6. Miss State, 5-7 (1-7): Dan Mullen still a year away but manages a road win over Top 25 Houston and an SEC victory against Kentucky.
SEC EAST
1. Florida, 11-1 (7-1): Yet another SEC championship berth, which ends in the Gators avenging their regular season loss to Alabama.
2. South Carolina, 9-3 (5-3): Spurrier's finest season as a Gamecock, with expected losses to Alabama and at Auburn and Florida but wins over everybody else.
2. Georgia, 9-3 (5-3): The Dawgs start the season with a loss at South Carolina and a must-win over Arkansas in Athens, but losses to Florida and at Auburn gall UGA fans.
4. Vanderbilt, 6-6 (3-5): After three straight wins early in the season (at Ole Miss and UConn and at home against Eastern Michigan), the Commodores find themselves in a 3-6 hole before finishing strong with wins at Kentucky and at home against Tennessee and Wake Forest.
5. Tennessee, 5-7 (2-6): The Vols have a brutal schedule with losses to Oregon, Florida, LSU, Georgia, South Carolina and of course Vanderbilt. SEC wins are over Ole Miss and Kentucky, both in Knoxville.
6. Kentucky, 4-8 (0-8): The Wildcats run of bowl bids ends with a series of bad breaks.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Vanderbilt will go 6-6 in 2010... and here's how
Just saw where Sports Illustrated is picking Vandy to finish 1-11. I say the Commodores are going to finish 6-6. Really. Here's how:
1. Northwestern: Sure, the Wildcats are an academic school with a traditionally weak football team except for that trip to the Rose Bowl late last century. But this is a talented, well-coached team with a high-powered offense. We play hard and have some young kids do some good things, but we lose. NORTHWESTERN 27, VANDERBILT 17. (VU 0-1)
2. LSU: The Tigers are loaded and our linemen struggle on both sides of the ball. We get down early, put a bunch of guys into their first SEC game and avoid having a body bag game like we did last season when we lost Ryan Hamilton and James Williams for the season. We make it respectable in the end. LSU 26, VANDERBILT 14. (VU 0-2, 0-1 SEC)
3. At Ole Miss: Something about going to Oxford that's good for the team. Masoli gets thrown in jail the night before the game or just isn't ready to play and we catch the Rebels off guard, our offense clicks, and we win. VANDERBILT 27, OLE MISS 24. (VU 1-2, 1-1 SEC)
4. At Connecticut: Vanderbilt experiences its first mid-season bye in two years and has a great two weeks preparing for UConn. The young line continues to gel and Larry Smith looks like an SEC caliber quarterback, largely because he's finally got some SEC caliber receivers. VANDERBILT 31, UCONN 21. (VU 2-2, 1-1)
5. Eastern Michigan: This is the only game that Sports Illustrated and everybody else in America thinks we can win. And we do. Except it's our third victory of the season. VANDERBILT 30, EMU 10. (VU 3-2, 1-1)
6. At Georgia: The Dawgs are breaking in a freshman quarterback, and Vandy flirts with victory before falling in Athens. UGA 24, VANDERBILT 15. (VU 3-3, 1-2)
7. South Carolina: The Gamecocks have some serious firepower, and their freshman running back and big physical receivers are the difference. SC 27, VANDERBILT 20. (VU 3-4, 1-3)
8. At Arkansas: The Razorbacks drop out of the Top 25 after losses to Georgia, Alabama and Auburn, but they have superior physical talent and beat us in a shootout. ARKANSAS 38, VANDERBILT 27. (VU 3-5, 1-4)
9. Florida: A truly brutal pair of games for the Commodores. After returning from Fayetteville, they face a Florida team headed to yet another SEC championship game. FLORIDA 31, VANDERBILT 14. (VU 3-6, 1-5)
10. At Kentucky: With four straight losses, Coach Caldwell does something Bobby Johnson could never do: He leads Vandy to a late run, and it all starts in Lexington against a Wildcat team that's struggling. VANDERBILT 20, KENTUCKY 14. (VU 4-6, 2-5)
11. Tennessee: The Vols need to finish the season with a pair of wins to become bowl eligible but Larry Smith stages a thrilling rally and the Commodores win in Little Neyland. VANDERBILT 17, TENNESSEE 16. (VU 5-6, 3-5)
12. Wake Forest: Vandy does the unthinkable and finishes with three straight wins to become bowl eligible. VANDERBILT 31, WAKE FOREST 14. (VU 6-6, 3-5)
1. Northwestern: Sure, the Wildcats are an academic school with a traditionally weak football team except for that trip to the Rose Bowl late last century. But this is a talented, well-coached team with a high-powered offense. We play hard and have some young kids do some good things, but we lose. NORTHWESTERN 27, VANDERBILT 17. (VU 0-1)
2. LSU: The Tigers are loaded and our linemen struggle on both sides of the ball. We get down early, put a bunch of guys into their first SEC game and avoid having a body bag game like we did last season when we lost Ryan Hamilton and James Williams for the season. We make it respectable in the end. LSU 26, VANDERBILT 14. (VU 0-2, 0-1 SEC)
3. At Ole Miss: Something about going to Oxford that's good for the team. Masoli gets thrown in jail the night before the game or just isn't ready to play and we catch the Rebels off guard, our offense clicks, and we win. VANDERBILT 27, OLE MISS 24. (VU 1-2, 1-1 SEC)
4. At Connecticut: Vanderbilt experiences its first mid-season bye in two years and has a great two weeks preparing for UConn. The young line continues to gel and Larry Smith looks like an SEC caliber quarterback, largely because he's finally got some SEC caliber receivers. VANDERBILT 31, UCONN 21. (VU 2-2, 1-1)
5. Eastern Michigan: This is the only game that Sports Illustrated and everybody else in America thinks we can win. And we do. Except it's our third victory of the season. VANDERBILT 30, EMU 10. (VU 3-2, 1-1)
6. At Georgia: The Dawgs are breaking in a freshman quarterback, and Vandy flirts with victory before falling in Athens. UGA 24, VANDERBILT 15. (VU 3-3, 1-2)
7. South Carolina: The Gamecocks have some serious firepower, and their freshman running back and big physical receivers are the difference. SC 27, VANDERBILT 20. (VU 3-4, 1-3)
8. At Arkansas: The Razorbacks drop out of the Top 25 after losses to Georgia, Alabama and Auburn, but they have superior physical talent and beat us in a shootout. ARKANSAS 38, VANDERBILT 27. (VU 3-5, 1-4)
9. Florida: A truly brutal pair of games for the Commodores. After returning from Fayetteville, they face a Florida team headed to yet another SEC championship game. FLORIDA 31, VANDERBILT 14. (VU 3-6, 1-5)
10. At Kentucky: With four straight losses, Coach Caldwell does something Bobby Johnson could never do: He leads Vandy to a late run, and it all starts in Lexington against a Wildcat team that's struggling. VANDERBILT 20, KENTUCKY 14. (VU 4-6, 2-5)
11. Tennessee: The Vols need to finish the season with a pair of wins to become bowl eligible but Larry Smith stages a thrilling rally and the Commodores win in Little Neyland. VANDERBILT 17, TENNESSEE 16. (VU 5-6, 3-5)
12. Wake Forest: Vandy does the unthinkable and finishes with three straight wins to become bowl eligible. VANDERBILT 31, WAKE FOREST 14. (VU 6-6, 3-5)
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Who's hot and who's not: Vanderbilt freshmen a week before opening day
With a bunch of true freshmen competing to play right away, we thought we’d look at whose stock has risen and fallen since signing day:
WAY UP
• James Kittredge, OL: A defensive lineman considered a lock to redshirt, Kittredge instead was moved to offensive line and has been a revelation, giving fifth-year center Joey Bailey a run for his money; look for him in the seven-man playing rotation
• Jordan Matthews, WR: While recognized as a talent, we thought he’d take a while to develop; instead, he’s been impressive in camp and is competing for a starting position
• Logan Stewart, OL: Considered a likely redshirt with an outside shot to play, Stewart has been a pleasant surprise at guard and center and could even crack the seven-man playing rotation on the O-line
• Andre Simmons, S: Considered a fine talent who might get lost in the shuffle early, Simmons instead has had a great camp and has appeared to have won the backup strong safety job over sophomore Al Owens
UP
• Steven Clarke, CB/RB: The least regarded of the freshman DBs, Clarke has wowed coaches with his athleticism in the preseason and has been moved to offense as an emergency running back; he looks good there and just might stay
• Fitz Lassing, TE: A local boy who got Vandy’s last scholarship, Lassing was considered a sure-fire redshirt but instead is pushing redshirt freshman Mason Johnston hard to back up Brandon Barden.
• Andre Hal, CB: Expected to compete despite being a bit light at 170. With Warren Norman injured, he’ll likely return kicks Saturday and could be the first Commodore to touch the football in 2010. Will also see some time at corner.
• Karl Butler, DB: Expected to compete for playing time and possibly avoid a redshirt; he arrived at camp packing an extra 10 pounds of muscle and has established himself as a wicked hitter and likely special teams stalwart
• Chase Garnham, LB: A speedster expected to redshirt; that may still happen, but he’s been impressive in the preseason and just may find a way to get on the field.
• Kenny Ladler, FS: Expected to play right away and compete with a bunch of guys at safety, he’s emerged as the top backup to Jay Fullam
STEADY
• Jonathan Krause, WR: We expected him to play right away and to compete for a starting job, and he’s doing just that.
• Chris Boyd, WR: Expected to face some growing pains but to be needed right away, and that’s the case today
• Carey Spear, K: Has apparently won the kickoff job, as expected, and has pushed Ryan Fowler throughout camp to improve his field goal kicking
• Jared Morse, DT: Expected to push the returnees at tackle, provide a talent upgrade but not necessarily avoid a redshirt, and that’s exactly where he stands right now
• Chase White, OL: Expected to redshirt, he’s gotten a ton of reps in preseason because of injuries and just may see the field
• Thomas Ryan, DE: A nice prospect expected to redshirt, and that’s exactly what seems to happening so far.
• Andrew Bridges, OL: Expected to take a year to gain weight and experience, Bridges is still on that plan as long as nobody else gets injured on the line.
• Andrew East, LB: A late signee who’s best known as a longsnapper, East has had a quiet camp and should redshirt.
DOWN
• Jordan Rodgers, QB: Expected to push Larry Smith at quarterback, he’s instead struggled with injury and is a candidate to redshirt.
• Vince Taylor, DT: Appeared to have a good shot at cracking the depth chart at tackle, but is facing a challenge from a bunch of sophomores and fellow frosh Jared Morse
• Grant Ramsay, OL: With lots of injuries and plenty of opportunities, Ramsay was expected to be the top freshman lineman and play right away; while he could still get on the field and may be listed as second-team, he’s been outplayed by James Kittredge and Logan Stewart.
• Kyle Woestmann, DE: Came into camp with plenty of talent and confidence, but he’s been overshadowed so far in a crowded field at end
• Blake Gowder, TE: Was expected to redshirt unless another tight end was injured; after Austin Monahan was lost in the preseason, Gowder was overshadowed by Fitz Lassing, the last recruit to be offered a scholarship on signing day
• Trent Pruitt, WR: Not as talented as the other true frosh receivers, but considered to be more polished and game-ready; instead, he’s headed for a redshirt
WAY UP
• James Kittredge, OL: A defensive lineman considered a lock to redshirt, Kittredge instead was moved to offensive line and has been a revelation, giving fifth-year center Joey Bailey a run for his money; look for him in the seven-man playing rotation
• Jordan Matthews, WR: While recognized as a talent, we thought he’d take a while to develop; instead, he’s been impressive in camp and is competing for a starting position
• Logan Stewart, OL: Considered a likely redshirt with an outside shot to play, Stewart has been a pleasant surprise at guard and center and could even crack the seven-man playing rotation on the O-line
• Andre Simmons, S: Considered a fine talent who might get lost in the shuffle early, Simmons instead has had a great camp and has appeared to have won the backup strong safety job over sophomore Al Owens
UP
• Steven Clarke, CB/RB: The least regarded of the freshman DBs, Clarke has wowed coaches with his athleticism in the preseason and has been moved to offense as an emergency running back; he looks good there and just might stay
• Fitz Lassing, TE: A local boy who got Vandy’s last scholarship, Lassing was considered a sure-fire redshirt but instead is pushing redshirt freshman Mason Johnston hard to back up Brandon Barden.
• Andre Hal, CB: Expected to compete despite being a bit light at 170. With Warren Norman injured, he’ll likely return kicks Saturday and could be the first Commodore to touch the football in 2010. Will also see some time at corner.
• Karl Butler, DB: Expected to compete for playing time and possibly avoid a redshirt; he arrived at camp packing an extra 10 pounds of muscle and has established himself as a wicked hitter and likely special teams stalwart
• Chase Garnham, LB: A speedster expected to redshirt; that may still happen, but he’s been impressive in the preseason and just may find a way to get on the field.
• Kenny Ladler, FS: Expected to play right away and compete with a bunch of guys at safety, he’s emerged as the top backup to Jay Fullam
STEADY
• Jonathan Krause, WR: We expected him to play right away and to compete for a starting job, and he’s doing just that.
• Chris Boyd, WR: Expected to face some growing pains but to be needed right away, and that’s the case today
• Carey Spear, K: Has apparently won the kickoff job, as expected, and has pushed Ryan Fowler throughout camp to improve his field goal kicking
• Jared Morse, DT: Expected to push the returnees at tackle, provide a talent upgrade but not necessarily avoid a redshirt, and that’s exactly where he stands right now
• Chase White, OL: Expected to redshirt, he’s gotten a ton of reps in preseason because of injuries and just may see the field
• Thomas Ryan, DE: A nice prospect expected to redshirt, and that’s exactly what seems to happening so far.
• Andrew Bridges, OL: Expected to take a year to gain weight and experience, Bridges is still on that plan as long as nobody else gets injured on the line.
• Andrew East, LB: A late signee who’s best known as a longsnapper, East has had a quiet camp and should redshirt.
DOWN
• Jordan Rodgers, QB: Expected to push Larry Smith at quarterback, he’s instead struggled with injury and is a candidate to redshirt.
• Vince Taylor, DT: Appeared to have a good shot at cracking the depth chart at tackle, but is facing a challenge from a bunch of sophomores and fellow frosh Jared Morse
• Grant Ramsay, OL: With lots of injuries and plenty of opportunities, Ramsay was expected to be the top freshman lineman and play right away; while he could still get on the field and may be listed as second-team, he’s been outplayed by James Kittredge and Logan Stewart.
• Kyle Woestmann, DE: Came into camp with plenty of talent and confidence, but he’s been overshadowed so far in a crowded field at end
• Blake Gowder, TE: Was expected to redshirt unless another tight end was injured; after Austin Monahan was lost in the preseason, Gowder was overshadowed by Fitz Lassing, the last recruit to be offered a scholarship on signing day
• Trent Pruitt, WR: Not as talented as the other true frosh receivers, but considered to be more polished and game-ready; instead, he’s headed for a redshirt
Here's what Vanderbilt's opening day depth chart could look like
With the opening day depth chart to be released any day now, we decided to take a shot at what it’ll look like — and as Coach Caldwell promised, he’s considering a whole bunch of true freshmen:
QUARTERBACK
1st team: Larry Smith (R-Jr) has improved his understanding of the offense and his leadership
2nd team: Jared Funk (R-Sr) “won’t go away” according to coaches
Others: Jordan Rodgers (Jr) appears headed for redshirt unless Smith is injured or struggled; Charlie Goro (R-Fr) is still learning the system but could play in special situations
RUNNING BACK
1st team: Zac Stacy (So) has returned to practice after treating his injured knee with his grandmother’s remedy of vinegar and Alabama red clay
2nd team: Kennard Reeves (R-Sr) has returned from an injured hammy
Others: Wesley Tate (R-Fr) has returned from an injured foot and should be available; Steven Clarke (Fr) has moved over from cornerback and has progressed well enough to cause coaches to consider making him a permanent running back; usual starter and SEC freshman of year Warren Norman (So) just had his knee scoped and has a slim chance of playing against Northwestern; Ryan van Rensburg can block and tote the rock in short situations
WIDE RECEIVER
1st team: John Cole (R-So) and Udom Umoh (R-Jr) are locks, at least for opening day, and will likely be joined by Jordan Matthews (Fr)
2nd team: Jonathan Krause (Fr) is pushing Matthews; Brady Brown (R-Fr) and Chris Boyd (Fr) are poised to make the 6-man rotation
Others: Coaches are talking about Turner Wimberly (R-Sr) and Tray Herndon (R-Jr) as possibilities to start, and they could make the opening day depth chart, but these upperclassmen probably won’t be counted on in crunch time; Akeem Dunham (R-So) has had a good camp and could crack the rotation; Trent Pruitt (Fr) appears headed for a redshirt
TIGHT END
1st team: Brandon Barden (R-Jr) will still start after hyperextending his elbow
2nd team: Ryan van Rensburg (R-Jr) was a steady backup here last year but will also play some running back
Others: Mason Johnston (R-Fr) and Fitz Lassing (Fr) have been getting plenty of reps here and one of them may forge ahead of van Rensburg, who can play a variety of roles; Blake Gowder (Fr) will likely redshirt; Austin Monahan (R-Jr) is out for the year with a wrecked knee
OFFENSIVE LINE
1st team: Joey Bailey (R-Sr) at center; Kyle Fischer (R-Jr) at right guard and Caleb Welchans (R-So) at right tackle; Jabo Burrow (R-So) at left guard and Wesley Johnson (R-Fr) at left tackle
2nd team: James Kittredge (Fr) is pushing Bailey for the starting center position; Ryan Seymour (R-So) has temporarily lost his starting right tackle slot to Welchans because of discipline problems and may not play against Northwestern; Mylon Brown (R-Fr) has awesome physical gifts and narrowly lost the left guard battle to Burrow; Logan Stewart (Fr) has impressed in camp and will be ready to play; Grant Ramsay (Fr) will not be in the 7-man rotation but could be listed second-team
Others: Chase White (Fr) and Andrew Bridges (Fr) will be ready in case of injuries but could otherwise redshirt; Chris Aaron (R-Sr) has an inner-ear problem and may be done; Justin Cabbagestalk (R-Fr) is out for the year with a blown knee
DEFENSIVE LINE
1st team: T.J. Greenstone (R-Jr) and Rob Lohr (R-So)
2nd team: A bit of a mystery, with not a lot of news out of camp. Colt Nichter (R-So), Taylor Loftley (R-So) return, but Vince Taylor (Fr) and Jared Morse (Fr) are coveted recruits who’ve been getting lots of reps in practice; we’ll go with Nichter and Morse for now, but stay tuned; Loftley has reportedly been making a late run and could crack the second team — and in that case, Taylor and Morse could both be redshirted
Others: Josh Jelesky (R-So) is still bulking up after moving from end; Adam Smotherman (R-Sr) blew out his knee in the spring and his date of return is unknown
DEFENSIVE END
1st team: Tim Fugger (R-Jr), Theron Kadri (Sr) and Teriall Brannon (R-Sr) form a 3-man rotation, with Fugger and probably Kadri getting the start
2nd team: Brannon, plus sack specialist Walker May (R-Fr)
Others: Johnell Thomas (R-So) is a solid player who’ll get on the field in big games; Thad McHaney (R-Fr) was a coveted recruit who’s battling May for playing time; Kyle Woestmann (Fr) and Thomas Ryan (Fr) appear headed for redshirts
LINEBACKERS
1st team: Chris Marve (R-Jr) is of course a fixture in the middle; John Stokes (Sr) will knock some heads before becoming a physician; the versatile athlete Archibald Barnes (R-So) could get the nod at the other OLB position
2nd team: DeAndre Jones (R-So), Tristan Strong (R-So) and Dexter Daniels (R-So) continue to battle each other for playing time; Jones could back Marve in the middle with the other two guys on the outside
Others: Micah Powell (R-So) is adjusting well to his move from safety and could unseat some of his fellow sophomores; Nate Campbell (R-Sr) has struggled with injury and hasn’t challenged for a starting position as expected after returning from a year off; Blake Southerland (R-Fr) is being groomed to man the middle in the future; Chase Garnham (Fr) has blazing speed and could play as a true freshman, especially on special teams; Andrew East (Fr) will redshirt unless he is needed as a longsnapper
SECONDARY
1st team: Casey Hayward (Jr) and Jamie Graham (R-Jr) at cornerback; Sean Richardson (Jr) at strong safety and Jay Fullam (R-Fr) at free; Trey Wilson (So) at nickel
2nd team: Eddie Foster (So) and Andre Hal (Fr) at corner, and Eric Samuels (So) at nickel/corner; Andre Simmons (Fr) at strong safety and Kenny Ladler (Fr) at free
Others: Karl Butler (Fr) has established himself as the hardest hitter on the team and will see some time at safety and on special teams; Steven Clarke (Fr) has been impressive at corner but has moved to running back, perhaps temporarily; Al Owens (R-So) appears to have been unseated by Simmons as the backup strong safety; Javon Marshall (R-Fr) has struggled some with injuries and challenges from the true freshmen
KICKING
1st team: Ryan Fowler (R-So) field goals; Carey Spear (Fr) kickoffs; David Giller (R-Jr) snapper; Richard Kent (R-So) punter and holder
2nd team: Spear, field goals; Fowler, kickoffs; John Stokes (Sr) snapper; Fowler, punter; Jared Funk (R-Sr) holder
RETURNERS
1st team: Andre Hal (Fr), kicks; John Cole (R-So), punts
2nd team: Trey Wilson (So), kicks; Zac Stacy (So), punts
Others: Warren Norman (So) will of course return kicks when he recovers from his knee injury; Eric Samuels (So) can also return kicks
QUARTERBACK
1st team: Larry Smith (R-Jr) has improved his understanding of the offense and his leadership
2nd team: Jared Funk (R-Sr) “won’t go away” according to coaches
Others: Jordan Rodgers (Jr) appears headed for redshirt unless Smith is injured or struggled; Charlie Goro (R-Fr) is still learning the system but could play in special situations
RUNNING BACK
1st team: Zac Stacy (So) has returned to practice after treating his injured knee with his grandmother’s remedy of vinegar and Alabama red clay
2nd team: Kennard Reeves (R-Sr) has returned from an injured hammy
Others: Wesley Tate (R-Fr) has returned from an injured foot and should be available; Steven Clarke (Fr) has moved over from cornerback and has progressed well enough to cause coaches to consider making him a permanent running back; usual starter and SEC freshman of year Warren Norman (So) just had his knee scoped and has a slim chance of playing against Northwestern; Ryan van Rensburg can block and tote the rock in short situations
WIDE RECEIVER
1st team: John Cole (R-So) and Udom Umoh (R-Jr) are locks, at least for opening day, and will likely be joined by Jordan Matthews (Fr)
2nd team: Jonathan Krause (Fr) is pushing Matthews; Brady Brown (R-Fr) and Chris Boyd (Fr) are poised to make the 6-man rotation
Others: Coaches are talking about Turner Wimberly (R-Sr) and Tray Herndon (R-Jr) as possibilities to start, and they could make the opening day depth chart, but these upperclassmen probably won’t be counted on in crunch time; Akeem Dunham (R-So) has had a good camp and could crack the rotation; Trent Pruitt (Fr) appears headed for a redshirt
TIGHT END
1st team: Brandon Barden (R-Jr) will still start after hyperextending his elbow
2nd team: Ryan van Rensburg (R-Jr) was a steady backup here last year but will also play some running back
Others: Mason Johnston (R-Fr) and Fitz Lassing (Fr) have been getting plenty of reps here and one of them may forge ahead of van Rensburg, who can play a variety of roles; Blake Gowder (Fr) will likely redshirt; Austin Monahan (R-Jr) is out for the year with a wrecked knee
OFFENSIVE LINE
1st team: Joey Bailey (R-Sr) at center; Kyle Fischer (R-Jr) at right guard and Caleb Welchans (R-So) at right tackle; Jabo Burrow (R-So) at left guard and Wesley Johnson (R-Fr) at left tackle
2nd team: James Kittredge (Fr) is pushing Bailey for the starting center position; Ryan Seymour (R-So) has temporarily lost his starting right tackle slot to Welchans because of discipline problems and may not play against Northwestern; Mylon Brown (R-Fr) has awesome physical gifts and narrowly lost the left guard battle to Burrow; Logan Stewart (Fr) has impressed in camp and will be ready to play; Grant Ramsay (Fr) will not be in the 7-man rotation but could be listed second-team
Others: Chase White (Fr) and Andrew Bridges (Fr) will be ready in case of injuries but could otherwise redshirt; Chris Aaron (R-Sr) has an inner-ear problem and may be done; Justin Cabbagestalk (R-Fr) is out for the year with a blown knee
DEFENSIVE LINE
1st team: T.J. Greenstone (R-Jr) and Rob Lohr (R-So)
2nd team: A bit of a mystery, with not a lot of news out of camp. Colt Nichter (R-So), Taylor Loftley (R-So) return, but Vince Taylor (Fr) and Jared Morse (Fr) are coveted recruits who’ve been getting lots of reps in practice; we’ll go with Nichter and Morse for now, but stay tuned; Loftley has reportedly been making a late run and could crack the second team — and in that case, Taylor and Morse could both be redshirted
Others: Josh Jelesky (R-So) is still bulking up after moving from end; Adam Smotherman (R-Sr) blew out his knee in the spring and his date of return is unknown
DEFENSIVE END
1st team: Tim Fugger (R-Jr), Theron Kadri (Sr) and Teriall Brannon (R-Sr) form a 3-man rotation, with Fugger and probably Kadri getting the start
2nd team: Brannon, plus sack specialist Walker May (R-Fr)
Others: Johnell Thomas (R-So) is a solid player who’ll get on the field in big games; Thad McHaney (R-Fr) was a coveted recruit who’s battling May for playing time; Kyle Woestmann (Fr) and Thomas Ryan (Fr) appear headed for redshirts
LINEBACKERS
1st team: Chris Marve (R-Jr) is of course a fixture in the middle; John Stokes (Sr) will knock some heads before becoming a physician; the versatile athlete Archibald Barnes (R-So) could get the nod at the other OLB position
2nd team: DeAndre Jones (R-So), Tristan Strong (R-So) and Dexter Daniels (R-So) continue to battle each other for playing time; Jones could back Marve in the middle with the other two guys on the outside
Others: Micah Powell (R-So) is adjusting well to his move from safety and could unseat some of his fellow sophomores; Nate Campbell (R-Sr) has struggled with injury and hasn’t challenged for a starting position as expected after returning from a year off; Blake Southerland (R-Fr) is being groomed to man the middle in the future; Chase Garnham (Fr) has blazing speed and could play as a true freshman, especially on special teams; Andrew East (Fr) will redshirt unless he is needed as a longsnapper
SECONDARY
1st team: Casey Hayward (Jr) and Jamie Graham (R-Jr) at cornerback; Sean Richardson (Jr) at strong safety and Jay Fullam (R-Fr) at free; Trey Wilson (So) at nickel
2nd team: Eddie Foster (So) and Andre Hal (Fr) at corner, and Eric Samuels (So) at nickel/corner; Andre Simmons (Fr) at strong safety and Kenny Ladler (Fr) at free
Others: Karl Butler (Fr) has established himself as the hardest hitter on the team and will see some time at safety and on special teams; Steven Clarke (Fr) has been impressive at corner but has moved to running back, perhaps temporarily; Al Owens (R-So) appears to have been unseated by Simmons as the backup strong safety; Javon Marshall (R-Fr) has struggled some with injuries and challenges from the true freshmen
KICKING
1st team: Ryan Fowler (R-So) field goals; Carey Spear (Fr) kickoffs; David Giller (R-Jr) snapper; Richard Kent (R-So) punter and holder
2nd team: Spear, field goals; Fowler, kickoffs; John Stokes (Sr) snapper; Fowler, punter; Jared Funk (R-Sr) holder
RETURNERS
1st team: Andre Hal (Fr), kicks; John Cole (R-So), punts
2nd team: Trey Wilson (So), kicks; Zac Stacy (So), punts
Others: Warren Norman (So) will of course return kicks when he recovers from his knee injury; Eric Samuels (So) can also return kicks
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