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."

2008 Rewind: Hawkins won't be stopped

by Barca Blog - Vanderbilt had the chance to make an early season statement in 2008 when No. 24 South Carolina rolled in to town for a nationally televised Thursday night contest on ESPN.

We now know the final outcome of the game, but there were two plays that I'll always remember.

With Vanderbilt looking to add to its 17-10 lead in the fourth quarter, tailback Jared Hawkins rushed for eight yards into the Gamecocks' red zone. It seemed like a normal play, but during the tackle, Hawkins fell into the legs of one of his blockers, wide receiver Chris Reinert.

Reinert was down for a extended period of time as the sold-out crowd sat in silence. With spirits low as he was taken off the field with a broken leg, Reinert created an eruption in the stadium by waving his arms in support of his teammates.

Following the emotional moment, Hawkins took the next snap to the house for 13-yards, avoiding four different Gamecock tacklers on his way to the end zone. The reaction of the crowd after the score was one of those moments you wish you could bottle forever.

VU held off USC for a 24-17 victory to move to 2-0 on the season. Watch Hawkins talk about his TD run below:

August Student-Athletes of the Month

by Barca Blog - Congratulations to Brooke Goodwin (Women's Golf) and Jared Hawkins (Football), Student-Athletes of the Month for August.

They were chosen on the basis of the all-around student-athlete... effort and excellence in academics, leadership, integrity, dedication to team, campus involvement, community service and the ability to serve as role models for current and future Vanderbilt students and student-athletes.

Click here to read Q&A's with the two honorees.