Ten elected to football leadership council

by Leathers

Ten veterans of the Commodore football team, including seven that started a year ago, have been voted to the squad's leadership council.

Council representatives for the 2010 season are Larry Smith, quarterbacks; Kennard Reeves, running backs; Brandon Barden, tight ends; John Cole, receivers; Joey Bailey, offensive line; Adam Smotherman, defensive tackles; Tim Fugger, defensive ends; Chris Marve, linebackers; safety Sean Richardson, defensive backs; and snapper David Giller, specialists.

This marks the sixth year teammates have elected Leadership Council representatives. The council meets periodically to address team and student-athlete issues while serving as the players' voice communicating with coaches.

And the Award Winners are...

by Leathers

Eugene Henderson, a counselor in the Office of Academic Support, presents the first honor – the Dr. Henry Tyler Award for outstanding academic achievement. And the winner recipient is senior linebacker and co-captain Patrick Benoist.

The Lifter of the Year Award goes to redshirt junior defensive tackle Adam Smotherman.

Top offensive and defensive scout honors go to offensive lineman Wesley Johnson and linebacker Marc Panu, respectively.

Freshman returner Warren Norman and senior Brett Upson shared the team's Specialist of the Year recognition.

Other Commodores earning special recognition were:
• Receiver of the Year Award – John Cole, redshirt freshman wide receiver
• Offensive Lineman Award – Bradley Vierling, redshirt senior center
• Defensive Lineman Award – T.J. Greenstone, redshirt sophomore tackle
• Linebacker Award – Chris Marve, redshirt sophomore
• Defensive Back Award – Casey Hayward, sophomore cornerback

Cole expected to contribute at wideout

By Barca Blog - When Vanderbilt's preseason camp starts Friday, one of the biggest position battles will be at wide receiver.

Several younger Commodore prospects will have the opportunity to make an impact after the squad lost two key receivers to graduation (Sean Walker and George Smith) and one to injury (Justin Wheeler).

One person to keep an eye on is redshirt freshman John Cole, who emerged as one of the possible starters coming out of spring practice.

"He's got some tools," head coach Bobby Johnson told the 104.5 Wake Up Zone. "He's use to catching a lot of footballs and he knows what to do when he gets it."

Last year, Cole showed plenty of promise. Displaying excellent speed and solid hands, Cole earned a role on the field during the season opener at Miami (Ohio) to become one of three true freshmen to play in 2008. Unfortunately, his season was cut short after suffering a knee injury in the third quarter of that game.

Cole enters camp off a tremendous offseason conditioning effort, having spent the entire summer on campus working out with teammates.

"John is looking great right now," the head coach added. "Not only has he rehabbed, but he's gained weight and worked really hard on weightlifting. His body has changed since last year. I expect John to be a big contributor to the wide receiver corps."