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Let’s spend some time today talking about the trenches. Both the offensive and defensive line have seen notable growth in the offseason and during fall camp. But first, I hope you can join us for Dore Jam on August 19 from 2-4 p.m. at the David Williams II Recreation and Wellness Center. It’s a wonderful family event and a great chance to meet your favorite Commodores. In addition, we’ll broadcast the Commodore Hour radio program live from Dore Jam on 102.5 The Game.
OL MASTERMINDS
Vanderbilt’s offensive line returns more than 75 starts and has a 1,000-yard rusher on it’s resume. But the incumbent starting five have shown a unique desire to elevate their play and cohesion in 2023.
A significant step toward that goal happened over the summer in Frisco, Texas. Gunnar Hansen (LT), Xavier Castillo (LG), Julian Hernandez (C), Bradley Ashmore (RG), and Junior Uzebu (RT) all attended the “OL Masterminds” summit July 7-8.
“OL Masterminds started off as ex-players getting together with current players to share techniques and things that help them,” said Vanderbilt OL Coach AJ Blazek.
2023 was the sixth iteration and it’s ballooned into an invite-only convergence with a massive guest list. Headliners included Hall of Famers Steve Hutchinson and Will Shields, Pro Bowler and reigning Super Bowl champion Creed Humphries and television voices like Brian Baldinger and Mark Schlereth.
Over two days of speakers and breakout sessions, the Grease Gang learned new skills and heard things Coach Blazek talks about underscored by elite names.
“It’s everything from camaraderie within an o-line to information that ties into our schemes,” said Blazek. “But it was the detail they were communicating with after the event that was pretty sweet to hear.”
For example, center Julian Hernandez spent time listening to Kansas City Chiefs’ center Humphries. The Pro Bowler spoke in detail about understanding offensive formations. “So when he got back,” said Blazek, “that’s what he wanted to hit the ground running with – learning new offense.”
For Bradley Ashmore, it was a message from the charismatic Brian Baldinger that stayed with him. “He was talking about how gritty you have to be to be an offensive lineman. That’s what Blaz pushes home all the time. It’s all about being on that field, staying in front of your man and working with your teammate next to you.”
That last thing by Ashmore might be the most important part of their time in Frisco. “Working with your teammates.” Offensive line requires an uncommon cohesion and unity. Five as one.
“The chance for all five of us to go together was big,” said Ashmore. “All of us haven’t been super close the last couple years. But getting to go and mesh as an o-line is going to show up on the field this year.”
“The Best Football I’ve Ever Played”
Nate Clifton has had some brilliant moments in his Vanderbilt career, including blocking a critical 37-yard field goal in the win at Kentucky last year. But this fall feels different for the Brentwood Academy product.
“He’s been unblockable since the start of camp,” said defensive line coach Larry Black.
“I think this is the best football I’ve ever played,” added Clifton.
Two things have collided at the right time to elevate Clifton’s game. The first is football IQ. “I’m at the point where the game has slowed down for me. I know what I’m getting pre-snap. It allows me to get into my technique faster than my opponent.”
I always have empathy for players with multiple position coaches during their career, and Nate Clifton falls into that category. But the graduate student is now in his second season with Coach Black. Action in 31 career games and two years with the same voice in meetings appears to be invaluable.
The second thing element is a position change. Or perhaps a better phrase is “position emphasis”. Clifton is taking more snap at interior defensive line. It started back in spring ball and became more consistent during fall with Christian James out with injury.
Coach Black noted his speed is more impactful versus guards and centers. “Coach Black has instilled a lot of confidence in me. He’s given me the keys and letting me play free. He trusts me.”
Clifton is a key cog in creating more consistent chaos in the backfield. But it’s also worth noting that Clifton’s play is emblematic of the whole defensive line. From Aeneas DiCosmo to Yilanan Ouattara and many more – there’s optimism about what this unit can accomplish.
“Fall camp is a time where you can put everybody in,” said Clifton. “It just so happens that everyone is producing.”
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For complete coverage of Vanderbilt football’s 2023 fall camp, stay tuned to VUCommodores.com, @VandyFootball on Instagram or X (formerly Twitter) and be sure to follow the Dores radio crew of Andrew Allegretta and Kevin Ingram.
The Commodores open the 2023 season on Aug. 26 when Hawai’i visits FirstBank Stadium. Tickets are available now.
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