by Leathers - This season, defensive end Broderick Stewart (R-Sr.) will become the third Vanderbilt player to wear the "KD1" jersey patch, one of the most significant recognitions awarded by fellow Commodore players.The patch honors the memory of Kwane Doster, the only Commodore ever to receive the SEC Freshman of the Year Award. Doster was shot and killed in his hometown of Tampa, Fla., on Dec. 26, 2004. It will be displayed on the front of Stewart's No. 90 jersey.
Stewart, from Newnan, Ga., also becomes the first player to earn the patch that did not play with Doster.
The team's Leadership Council votes on the player to wear the "KD1" patch. They recognized Stewart's effort and desire to return from a serious lower leg injury suffered late in the 2008 season.
“They made a fantastic selection. Broderick is very deserving," Head Coach Bobby Johnson said. "They recognize that Broderick has worked extremely hard to get back on the field. They know how productive Broderick is as a player and what he has gone through to return."
"Broderick has given everything and anything to this program," two-time captain Bradley Vierling added. "He is just a team guy and he brings a lot of energy to our team. He is always getting everyone fired up. The defense really thrives off him and he is really the pulse of our defense."
Stewart, just six sacks shy of the Vanderbilt all-time career record, suffered a season-ending ankle and foot injury early in the 2008 Tennessee game, yet still travelled to the finale at Wake Forest and to the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl to support his teammates.
Stewart becomes the third Commodore player to wear the patch. Former All-SEC linebacker Jonathan Goff wore it in the 2006-07 seasons. Tailback Jeff Jennings wore the patch for his senior season.
"It’s a big honor," Stewart said. "Just for being around the school for a few years and everything that Kwane embodied like his leadership, athletic ability and his willingness to go hard and go the extra mile. I want to thank the team and for everyone that voted for me. I will definitely try to live up to it."
Hi Broderick this is Ms.Doster it's A plesure to know that you r wearing Kwane' patch it's a honor, To me and my family to know that you have the Leadership that my son held so dearly, he was A proud leader and sensitive in his goals, he worked hard at them to be able to wear his patch that is a great honor to receive, and that you so desereve, so congrats to you!!!!!! Kelly Doster
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