Early Camp Insights
Coach Clark Lea took stock of Vanderbilt’s defense after the first scrimmage of fall camp, noting that while the unit showed flashes of promise, the perimeter remained a trouble spot.
The Commodores allowed their own offense to pick up four to six yards on outside runs, a pattern that created easy first‑down opportunities and shifted momentum in favor of the backfield.
Running back Evan Hampton’s bursts highlighted the vulnerability, as his gains exposed gaps that the defensive line struggled to close.
Lea praised the overall coverage, pointing out that the secondary held its own for much of the session, though cornerbacks occasionally yielded catches that slipped past their reach.
Defensive coordinator Steve Gregory’s play‑calling deliberately targeted quarterbacks Jared Curtis and Blaze Berlowitz in practice, using a mix of blitzes and disguise looks to simulate game‑day pressure.
The varied schemes are intended to give the Commodores a toolbox of looks that can be deployed when they open the season, reducing the element of surprise for opposing offenses.
A Tightening Window
With two weeks of camp remaining, Lea says the focus will be on tightening the edges, compressing blocks and ensuring that perimeter runs are met with immediate resistance.