Vierling, Hamilton sign free agent deals

by Barca Blog

Jeff Lockridge of The Tennessean is reporting that former Commodore center Bradley Vierling will sign a free agent contract with Pittsburgh on Tuesday.

Vierling originally planned to try out with Cleveland, but had a change of heart when the Steelers came to the table with their offer.

“(Pittsburgh) said they went back in the film room after the draft and watched more film on me against first-round draft pick Dan Williams (of the Tennessee Vols)," Vierling told Lockridge. "They thought I did an exceptional job against him. They said they had underestimated me and wanted me to become a Steeler.”

Vierling becomes the second 'Dore to sign a free agent deal. Safety Ryan Hamilton inked with New Orleans at the conclusion of the draft on Saturday.

Stay with us for more updates.

And for the video of the day, YouTube Sports draft expert Kige Ramsey gives his take on the winners and losers from the weekend.

Loud and clear, captain

by Barca Blog - In Friday's edition of The Hustler, senior co-captain Bradley Vierling delivered a simple message to the Vanderbilt student body from the football team.

"We're 0-2 in the SEC right now so number one, you want to get an SEC win," Vierling told David Rutz of InsideVandy.com. "Next it's against Ole Miss which is a rivalry for us. We've beaten them the last two years and we definitely want to make it three.

"It's a big game for us. We want the fans to be out there. We want the student section to be filled."

While Vierling reminded the students about the importance of showing up for the game, I think he would say the same for the rest of the fan base... come out early, be loud and make a difference.

If you don't have tickets, you're in luck... Less than 1,000 seats remain, so call the ticket office at 615.322.GOLD today. More Info

Travisodes: Helmet Sticker (Dore Prize)

by Barca Blog - Commodore fans, you have until Friday at noon CT to participate in the latest Dore Prize giveaway.

Watch the video (below) to find out more on the contest and then go to our Facebook Fan Page to submit your guess.

Whoever is the closest, wins. If more than one of you gets the right answer, then we'll pick one winner from the group. Maybe you'll share your prize with intern Travis.

Leaping buildings in a single bound

by Barca Blog - Check it out... Vanderbilt senior center Bradley Vierling does his best Clark Kent on the cover of this week's Nashville Scene. You can read David Boclair's feature story on the state of the Commodores' football program here.

Speaking of Superman, I'm hoping Rice doesn't have a pocket full of kryptonite so we don't return to Nashville with Jimmy Olsen's Blues. Enjoy some Spin Doctors!

It's almost time...

by Barca Blog - We're less than 24 hours until kickoff! Here are some quotes from Bradley Vierling and Broderick Stewart on the excitement of getting the 2009 season underway.

Senior center Bradley Vierling

“When you come off a winning season for the first time in so long, you just want everyone to know this is real, that we’re here, and we’re fired up.

“The big monkey has been taken off our back. We’re not the team that has fallen short over and over again. We got the job done last year. Now, we’re just going to use that to catapult us into this season and have another great one.”

Senior defensive end Broderick Stewart

“I really can’t even put it into words. It’s exciting any time football season starts. I know we have a lot of expectations, so just to get it started is something I’m definitely looking forward to.

“Our chemistry is at an all-time high. The interaction between the guys has been excellent. That combined with our bowl win last year, everybody’s just ready to go.”