Welcome to another edition of sports scenter John Buccigross here to report that Vanderbilt has hired Butch Davis to be their new head coach. Butch served as miami's head coach from 1995-2000, then he moved on to the cleveland browns from 2001-2004, he also coach at north carolina from 2007-2010.
Butch's overall record is 63-43.
Vanderbilt's athletic director David Williams released this statement ''We felt like amongst all the candidates for the position butch was the best fit for what we're trying to accomplish. Coach Davis' record of success is extraordinary, but even more impressive is his passion for not only the game of football, but also creating an atmosphere in which student-atheletes can succeed. “We launched this search with several priorities, but our primary focus was to identify someone who shared our commitment to integrity, academics and winning championships. We're thrilled to welcome Coach Davis to Vanderbilt."
Good morning folks this is another edition of mike and mike in the morning. Im your host mike greenberg to bring you all the latest new in the sports world. We all were informed yesterday that butch davis did indeed accept the job at vanderbilt. My initial thoughts on this was its an ok hire not a homerun but about what you expect for vanderbilt. Guys like Ed Orgeron are still available it makes you think you know? The most interesting thing is the fact that he brought in jeff tedford and greg schiano who worked with him as an assistant at miami. Schiano is the second highest paid assistant coach behind only kirby smart of alabama. What are your thought mike golic? I like the hire if you look at the amount of players coach davis has sent to the nfl it's just staggering. James franklin had this team go 9-4 a year ago so they're some talent on the roster it's going to be interesting to see what this seasoned staff can do with this program. thats all for today thanks for tuning in everybody
Butch Davis - ''Spring practice is underway I told all the guys that every position was open. just because you started last year doesnt mean you'll start this year. They have to earn a starting spot. We're going to be doing extensive drills and pushing them to their limits so when game day comes they're in cruise control. Our depth chart will be released 2 weeks before the season starts.'''
Vanderbilt spring recap Commodores starters are released
Quarterbacks - C- Patton Robinette flashed potential but lacked poise in the pocket. Josh Grady added a scrambling dynamic however lacked accuracy on deep throws
Runnigbacks - B Junior Jerron Seymour looked good in spring drills bouncing off of tackles, also showed great patience for holes to open up.
Brian Kimbrow was electric and a homerun threat each time he got the ball
Wide Receivers/Tight End - B- Senior Chris Boyd flashed dominance when ever the quarterbacks threw in his area. the rest of the group looked really young
Offensive Line - C+ In the run game the offense showed promise, opening up lanes for the runningbacks. in passing situations the group struggled a bit with blitz pick up
Defensive line - C+ Junior Caleb Azubike had four sacks in one spring game. the rest of the unit was solid and played fairly consistent
Linebackers - B Coach Greg Schiano was raving about how fundamentally sound they were. this unit was solid all spring
Secondary - C+ Freshman Richard Atkinson swatted a would be touch down out of Jehu Chessons hands. This is a young group that needs experience simple mistakes where made when it came to zone coverage
Special Teams - C George Carey showed he doesnt have the leg to get those 50+ yarders consistently the closer the better. i'd imagine in a year or two of strength and conditioning will help his leg strength
9/1 FCS Northwest
9/13 Umass
9/20 Wake Forest
10/4 at Ole Miss
10/11 Florida
10/18 at Gerogia
10/25 at Missouri
11/1 Texas A&M
11/8 at Kentucky
11/15 Tennessee
11/29 at army
Butch Davis hosted over 100 recruiting prospects at Vanderbilt today. Some of the names that showed up to the camp was a pleasant surprise. Quincy Smith a quarterback from florida looked great in 7 on 7 drills. The biggest surprise of the entire day was former USC commit david sills who dominated in the drills and was extremely accurated with the ball. Vanderbilt coach Jeff Tedford commented on Sill performance ''His proggression, reads, and footwork are advanced for a high schooler. I told him if he came here we would turn him into a first rounder.''