QB solved... RB in question

by Barca Blog - Head coach Bobby Johnson said that practice this week would probably be the deciding factor in whether senior tailback Jared Hawkins plays in Vanderbilt's season opener against Western Carolina.

The Commodores top returning rusher was held out of another session on Tuesday, leaving his status in question for Saturday.

"Jared's problem is really after practice," Johnson said. "Sometimes his foot will swell up and have some pain, so we try to rest it the next day. It's just the problem of him being consistent and getting the practice that he needs to do his position and do it well enough for us to win."

Expect junior Kennard Reeves as well as the freshmen combo of Zac Stacy and Warren Norman to get the bulk of the carries if Hawkins can't go against the Catamounts.

Whoever ends up getting the ball should have plenty of opportunities. Johnson hinted yesterday that there could be an increased focus on running the tailbacks in the offense due to the experience and depth of the offensive line.

"(Jared's injury) opens the door for several others," Johnson added. "We've got enough choices that we feel comfortable about going into this game with them."