2010 football posters

by Barca Blog

Just a follow-up to David Rutz's story on Vanderbilt's marketing campaign for the 2010 football season.

Here's a look at the four schedule posters, which match the players featured in the commercial campaign -- Warren Norman, Jamie Graham, Brandon Barden, and Zac Stacy.

Pick up your favorite design at the McGugin Center Ticket Office during regular business hours, or at summer promotional events in Nashville.

Click here for season ticket information.

Jamie Graham to miss Rice game

Jeff Lockridge has the report here.

Graham not an option on offense for now

by Barca Blog - Some of you have asked if defensive back Jamie Graham would be incorporated into the offense to provide a spark like he did a year ago.

Sure, it's not a bad idea considering the former receiver/tailback showcased his ability to make big plays with four touchdowns as a redshirt freshman. Head coach Bobby Johnson explained, though, that Graham couldn't be used in that fashion right now for two reasons: (1) too many injuries have hurt the team's depth on defense and (2) Graham suffered a concussion against Mississippi State, which could impact his status for the Rice game.

“Concussions have to be watched extremely carefully,” Johnson said, “and Jamie has to be symptom free for several days before he can practice. He’s not quite clear right now, but we think he will be.”

More Injury Updates from Johnson's Presser

*Defensive back Casey Hayward missed the second half against Mississippi State because of migraines, but is expected to play against Rice.

*Johnson seemed more optimistic about the health of tailback Jared Hawkins. Hawkins' status will depend on how his foot holds up during drills this week.

*Tailback Zac Stacy "should be alright" after hurting his ankle against the Bulldogs.

*Defensive end Steven Stone, who is recovering from a broken foot suffered in mid-August, is "jogging a little bit now" but not ready to return.

*Defensive back Eric Samuels, who missed the last two weeks with an ankle injury, is questionable. Samuels did go through warm-ups against MSU but wasn't cleared to play. He will be evaluated during practice this week.

*Johnson said he'd like to have Jay Fullam back at safety. If Fullam can fully recover in the near future, he may not be redshirted according to Johnson. The Chattanooga native has been sidelined since tearing a ligament in his hand during preseason camp.

Don't sweat it

by Barca Blog - Redshirt sophomore cornerback Jamie Graham has played in some of the toughest collegiate sports environments, both on the gridiron and the hardwood.

So what advice does Graham have for the younger Commodores making the trip to Death Valley Saturday?

"The first thing I’d tell them is to try to control their sweat and put on a lot of deodorant because it’s a long day on the field," Graham joked. "You’re going to have fans yelling at you, and you might even get something thrown at you.

"There’s a lot of emotion that goes on when you play on the road especially at a place like LSU. You’ve got to be prepared for everything they’re going to throw at you. Not just what they’re going to throw at you physically, but how you can take things mentally. It’s a different environment and you have to be ready for it."

Twenty-four players participated in their first collegiate game in a Commodore uniform last Saturday against Western Carolina with seven of those being true freshmen (Zac Stacy, Warren Norman, Collin Ashley, Brady Brown, Eddie Foster, Eric Samuels and Trey Wilson).

Jamie Graham answers your questions

by Barca Blog - I posted my Ask A Dore interview with sophomore defensive back and Nashville native Jamie Graham late last night.

I think you will enjoy Jamie's responses to a variety of topics like.. another sport he'd consider playing (and one he's not good at)... the fastest Commodore (and his nickname), his preseason competition with the other cornerbacks, the best place to eat in Nashville, growing up with Golden Tate, his secret signal to fans, which player has the most swag, and much more.

I switched the format to a podcast, so you could hear the reaction from our guests in their voice. When you have 15 minutes check it out... or let it play in the background while you chip away at your dreaded Monday work list.

Thanks to everyone for submitting their questions... and don't forget, today's the last day to get your questions in for quarterback Larry Smith. Click Here

Photo by John Russell