HEAD COACH MASON

Mason and his Vanderbilt squad celebrate an exciting early-season victory over nationally ranked Kansas State.

Entering his fifth season in charge of the Vanderbilt football program, head coach Derek Mason has the Commodores trending upward, on and MASON: FACTS & NOTES off the field. Vanderbilt capped Mason’s fourth season in 2017 with a win over Ten- DEFEATING REGIONAL RIVALS nessee in Knoxville, the program’s fourth victory over the rival Volunteers In the last two years, Mason's Commodores sport a 6-0 in the past six seasons. The Commodores finished 4-0 in nonconference record against regional opponents Tennessee, Middle games last season, including a thrilling 14-7 win over No. 18 Kansas State Tennessee and Western Kentucky. on national television on Sept. 16. In February, Mason inked Vanderbilt’s highest-rated recruiting class in OFF THE FIELD ACCOMPLISHMENTS his tenure, a group that ranked among the top-40 signing classes in the Mason's Commodores are national academic leaders. country by most outlets. Mason likewise recruited four new coaches to Annually, they contend for the Academic Achievement the staff in Jan. 2018, including defensive coordinator Jason Tarver and Trophy, having won the national graduation success honor special teams coordinator Shawn Mennenga. in 2015. Mason has created an innovative summer intern- Mason saw his third linebacker in the past three seasons selected in ship program that aids players entering the workforce after the NFL Draft when the picked captain Oren Burks graduation, has endorsed foreign study opportunities for VU with the 88th overall pick. Burks became the third Vanderbilt player in the players, and has expanded community service opportunities. past five years to be selected in the first three rounds of the draft, joining linebacker Zach Cunningham (Houston, 2nd round, 2017) and wide receiver ATTRACTING TOP STAFFERS Jordan Matthews (Philadelphia, 2nd round, 2014). Meanwhile, seven other Mason continues to enhance his coaching staff. This year, Vanderbilt seniors signed rookie free agent contracts with NFL teams in he has added Jason Tarver as defensive coordinator, Shawn 2018. Mennenga as special teams coordinator, Aaron Moorehead Vanderbilt football student-athletes continued to perform well off the as wide receivers coach and Terrence Brown as corner- field under Mason. A total of 45 Commodores landed on the All-SEC Aca- backs coach. demic Honor roll in the fall semester, with placekicker Tommy Openshaw

26 @VANDYFOOTBALL DEREK MASON earning a spot on the Allstate-AFCA national Good Works Team, the second Commodore in as many years to garner that honor. Vanderbilt football continued to rank among the national leaders in graduation rates, as every Commodore who has completed his eligibility under Mason has earned an undergraduate degree. Vanderbilt football student-athletes teamed with Nashville-area businesses as part of the athletic department’s comprehensive summer internship program. Meanwhile, several Commodore players participated in study abroad programs in the summer, with six players venturing to Australia in May, including likely starters LaDarius Wiley and Josh Smith. In 2016, Mason guided Vanderbilt to its eighth postseason appearance at the Camping World Independence Bowl. The Commodores finished the regular season 6-6, including four wins in their final six games. The season featured marquee SEC victories over Georgia, Ole Miss and Tennessee. The Commodores closed the regular season by scoring a combined 83 points in wins over the Rebels and Volunteers. Their 45 points against Tennessee marked the program’s most in SEC play since 1971. Under Mason, Commodore student-athletes are performing well on and off the football field. In 2017, running back Ralph Webb concluded his career as the leading rusher in school history and the seventh-leading rusher in SEC history. Currently with the New England Patriots, Webb set a bushel of school single and career records, including 4,173 rushing yards, 931 rush at- tempts and 32 rushing . In 2016, inside linebacker Zach Cunningham became Vanderbilt's first consensus All-American in more than three decades. The redshirt junior swept first-team honors from every prominent outlet in the nation. Cunningham's final accolade came when the Coaches Association (AFCA) selected him to its First Team All-America Defense. Cunningham now starts at linebacker with Houston after the Texans ACCEPTING CONGRATULATIONS selected him No. 57 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. Mason congratulated by fans after winning at Knoxville to wrap up Mason has made impressive coaching hires since his first year on the 2017 regular season. campus. This winter, he attracted Tarver and Mennenga away from the NFL ranks to become defensive coordinator and special teams coordina- coach. In 2015, Mason hired Andy Ludwig and head strength coach tor, respectively. He also brought former Texas A&M offensive coach James Dobson from Big Ten programs to oversee the Commodore offen- Aaron Moorehead to Nashville as wide receivers coach and enlisted a sive attack and conditioning program, respectively. In the last two years, former pupil at Stanford, Terrence Brown, as the team's cornerbacks Mason has also added three bright young minds in offensive line coach Cameron Norcross, defensive line coach C.J. Ah You and inside linebackers coach Chris Marve. Those changes helped Mason guide back-to- back improvement in the Commodores in 2015-16, with keen observers of seeing more progress ahead. Since arriving on campus, Mason has focused on developing men of character and integrity with the football team. Five former Commodore football players have been accepted into the Vanderbilt Medical School in the last two years. In the last three calendar years, the team has nearly 165 SEC Academic Honor Roll recipients and more than 75 Dean's List honorees. Mason’s Commodores continue to serve as the SEC leader in the classroom. Vanderbilt football finished third nationally with a 993 APR (Academic Progress Rate) score in 2017, the fourth straight year it has topped the SEC in the calculation. The Commodores continue to rank as a national contender for the AFCA-Memphis Club Academic Achievement Award TAKING A NETWORK BREAK which they last shared in 2015. Mason joins SEC Network analyst and former Commodore quarterback Jordan Rodgers and Mason's administration of the Vanderbilt SEC Network reporter during a break at the Spring Showcase. program also includes innovation. He has been

VANDERBILT FOOTBALL 2018 27 DEREK MASON

instrumental in creating a summer internship program for Commo- dore student-athletes that is one of the most unique in the nation. Started in 2014 within the football team, the internship program has been expanded to other Vanderbilt squads, providing excellent work experience opportunities for student-athletes. Mason became Vanderbilt's 28th head coach in January 2014, coming to Nashville after serving as associate head coach and Director of Defense for the 2013 Pacific-12 champion Stanford Cardinal. Mason became defensive coordinator at Stanford in 2011, after helping the Cardinal to a pair of Rose Bowl appearances and consecutive Pac-12 titles in 2012-13. Mason's defensive units at Stanford were considered among the nation's elite. Under Mason, the Cardinal ranked among the NCAA Top 15 in defensive efficiency for three consecutive years. In 2013 while facing seven ranked opponents and one of the na- tion's toughest schedules, the Stanford defense ranked third in the NCAA in rushing defense (89.4 yards), 10th in scoring defense (19.0 points) and 16th in total offense (343.1 yards). The Cardinal were also one of only five teams to allow less than 100 rushing yards per game in 2013. The team was also among the best nationally in producing stops for negative yardage, ranking fifth GREETING VU FANS OF ALL AGES with 44 sacks and seventh with 109 tackles for loss. The personable Mason greets fans young and old during the team's pre-game Dore In 2012, Mason was a finalist for the , given an- Alley walk through the Vandyville tailgate. nually to the nation's top assistant coach, after directing a Stanford defense that ranked among the best in the nation and finest in team The 2012 Stanford defense held eight of 13 opponents under 100 yards history. The 2012 unit broke Stanford's single season record for sacks, rushing, and in a string of three consecutive games, the Cardinal recorded topped the Pac-12 in scoring defense and total defense, and helped the three of its top-10, single-game rushing defense performances in team history. Cardinal to an 11-2 season capped off with a Rose Bowl title. In 2011, Mason's first year as co-defensive coordinator, he teamed Mason's leadership paved the way to a historic defensive output in with new Vanderbilt defensive coordinator Jason Tarver to mold Stanford 2012, breaking Stanford's single-season record with 57 sacks and pacing into one of the Pac-12's top defensive units. That season, the unit ranked the Pac-12 in scoring defense, total defense and rushing defense. In 11 of either first or second in the Pac-12 in six defensive categories, including 14 games in 2012, Stanford held its opponent to 20 or fewer points, includ- rushing defense, third-down conversion defense, scoring defense, total ing a 14-point effort in overtime win at top-ranked Oregon, who led the defense, sacks and opponent first downs. FBS with a 54.8 scoring average. Mason also helped develop an array of Stanford defensive standouts,

THANKING HIS SQUAD Mason thanks Vanderbilt players for their effort after the team's victory at Tennessee to close the 2017 regular season.

28 @VANDYFOOTBALL DEREK MASON including All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman, All-America defensive end Trent Murphy, All-America linebacker Shayne Skov and All-Pacific 12 safety Ed Reynolds. Prior to his arrival in Palo Alto, Mason served as an assistant defen- sive back coach for the Minnesota Vikings from 2007 to 2009. He played a vital role in the team ranking sixth in total defense in 2008 and 2009 as the Vikings won NFC North titles each season. Mason was introduced to the NFL coaching circles through the Minority Fellowship program. He joined the Vikings staff in 2007, where he worked with defensive backs coach Joe Woods. Before joining the Vikings, Mason tutored wide receivers at Ohio University under Frank Solich, helping the Bobcats improve from 4-7 in 2005 to a 9-5 campaign and GMAC Bowl appearance the following year. Mason spent the 2004 season as wide receivers coach at New Mexico State, where the Aggies led the conference in passing. During the 2002 campaign, Mason mentored receivers and assisted with special teams at Utah. The Utes featured the NFL Draft's No. 1 overall pick in quarterback Alex Smith and wide receiver Paris Warren, an eventual 7th round pick. Mason's move to Utah came after a three-year stint at Bucknell (1999-2001) in which he gained his first experience as a defensive assistant coach. At Bucknell, Mason served as defensive backs mentor for three straight winning Bison squads. Mason's first three collegiate positions came as an offensive assistant at Mesa (Ariz.) Community College in 1994, Weber State in 1995-96 and Idaho State in 1997-98. THE MASON FAMILY As a player, Mason was a two-year starter and four-year letterwinner Derek and LeighAnne Mason with their daughters, Makenzie and Sydney. at Northern Arizona University. During his NAU career, Mason was influenced by several outstanding coaches, including Kentera, Kansas Arizona in 1993. City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, former Minnesota Vikings head coach A native of Phoenix, Mason was a standout at Camelback High Brad Childress, and former NFL head coach-offensive coordinator Marty School in the city. Mornhinweg. Derek and his wife, LeighAnne, have two daughters, Makenzie and Mason earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Northern Sydney.

MASON AND HIS VANDERBILT MEN Coach Mason is pictured with 14 of 22 Commodore players who completed either undergraduate or graduate studies in the 2017-18 academic calendar.

VANDERBILT FOOTBALL 2018 29 DEREK MASON

VANDERBILT HEAD COACH DEREK MASON AGE: 47 CAREER RECORD: 18-31 (5th season) ALMA MATER: Northern Arizona University; Playing career – 1989-92 DEGREE: Bachelor's, Criminal Justice, Northern Arizona, 1993 FAMILY: Wife, LeighAnne; two daughters: Makenzie and Sydney MASON ON TWITTER: @CoachDerekMason MASON'S CAREER AT A GLANCE 2014-18 VANDERBILT (Head Coach) Introduced Jan. 17, 2014 as the 28th head coach in team history... Notched first career victory as head coach in dramatic style, guiding team to 34-31 win over UMass on Sept. 13, 2014... After 2014 season, took over Vanderbilt defensive coordinator responsibilities... Earned first road win at MTSU in October 2015... Earned first SEC victory Oct. 24, 2015 with 10-3 win over Missouri... Mason's 2016 team improved win total for second straight year, winning the final two games of the regular season against Ole Miss and Tennessee to get to six wins and earn an invitation to the Camping World Independence Bowl... Also earned first win over ranked foe on the road vs. Georgia... The 2016 defense, which WHAT OTHERS ARE topped the nation in red-zone efficiency, was led by consensus All-American Zach Cunningham, who became just the third Commodore to ever earn first-team All-American status from the Walter Camp Foundation... In 2017, Dores started 3-0 SAYING ABOUT MASON... after beating ranked Kansas State, then concluded regular season with second straight win over Tennessee... Off the field, Mason'sprogram ranks among SEC and national leaders in academic successes and graduation rates, and has increased "Derek Mason has stuck to his plan since taking the community service efforts through the city. Vanderbilt job in 2014, but he also hasn't been hesitant to tweak, adjust and evolve. One of the sharper defensive 2013 STANFORD (Willie Shaw Director of Defense) Promoted to position of Willie Shaw Director of Defense, Mason guided one of the nation's top defenses as Cardinal minds in college football, Mason will turn the defensive goes 10-3 overall, wins Pac-12 crown and plays in second straight Rose Bowl... Stanford finished year ranked No. 10 on play-calling duties over to Jason Tarver, allowing Mason strength of four victories over ranked foes... The defense ranked third in NCAA in rushing defense and 10th in scoring to take a more holistic approach to the program in his fifth defense... Unit again ranks among Pac-12's best in numerous defensive categories... For second straight year, Mason's season. And with returning at quarterback, defense limited powerful Oregon spread offense, holding Ducks scoreless for first three quarters in eventual Stanford Mason has the Commodores on track for their second win... Three Mason standouts – LB Trent Murphy, LB Shayne Shov and DB Ed Reynolds – earn All-America recognition. bowl appearance in the last three seasons." Chris Low, ESPN.com 2011-12 STANFORD (associate head coach/defensive coordinator) Finalist for 2012 Broyles Award as nation's outstanding assistant coach... Stanford goes 23-4 overall in Mason's first "Derek Mason is building the Vanderbilt football program two years as coordinator, wins 2012 Pac-12 title, captures 2012 Rose Bowl over Wisconsin, and plays in the 2011 BCS the right way. I expect the Commodores to keep growing Fiesta Bowl... Mason's 3-4 attacking defense is ranked among the NCAA leaders in both seasons... In 2012, the Cardinal and improving under Coach Mason for years to come." defense topped the nation with 57 quarterback sacks, ranked second in tackles for loss, fifth in rushing defense and 11th in scoring defense... Stanford also paced the Pac-12 in scoring defense, total defense and rushing defense... Promoted by Kirk Herbstreit, ESPN CollegeGameDay Host, Cardinal head coach David Shaw to co-defensive coordinator for 2011 season. Play-by-Play Announcer 2010 STANFORD (defensive backs) "Coach Mason is the guy for the job. I fully endorse him. I Hired by Head Coach ... Helped change Stanford into a tough-minded, attacking defense... Unit was key to know he's going to have an impact there for a long time." arguably Stanford's best year of modern era – a 12-1 overall record capped by 40-12 victory over Virginia Tech in the Orange Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt WR (2010-13); Bowl... The Cardinal secondary was one of the great turnaround stories in college football as Stanford ranked high nationally in current member of New England Patriots and pass defense... That unit included three eventual NFL players, including cornerback Richard Sherman. "Coach (Mason) was essential to my development and my 2007-09 MINNESOTA VIKINGS - NFL (assistant defensive backs coach) understanding of the game. He taught me how to play the Served as an assistant defensive backs coach for the Minnesota Vikings from 2007 to 2009, playing a vital role in the team game, how to study the game, how to really go in-depth with ranking sixth in total defense in 2008 and 2009 as the Vikings won NFC North titles each season. your film study and also understanding your weaknesses... 2005-06 OHIO UNIVERSITY (wide receivers) He's really helped me, and he still helps me to this day." Hired by former Nebraska Head Coach Frank Solich, Mason coached Ohio U. receivers for two years, helping the Bobcats Richard Sherman, All-Pro CB, improve from 4-7 in 2005 to a 9-5 campaign in 2006 that ended with a GMAC Bowl appearance. current member of 2004 NEW MEXICO STATE (wide receivers) "Derek is a great teacher and motivator, but more impor- In lone season at New Mexico State, the Aggie offense with Mason mentoring wide receivers corps topped the Sun Belt tantly he is a man of high character." Conference in numerous passing categories. David Shaw, Head Coach, Stanford University 2003 SAINT MARY'S (co-defensive coordinator/assistant head coach) First coordinator responsibilities came in only season at St. Mary's, member of NCAA I-AA Independent League. "Derek is a tremendous person, outstanding teacher, strong communicator, hard worker and consummate 2002 UTAH (wide receivers/special teams assistant coach) winner." Hired by Ron McBride, Mason tutored WR Paris Warren, an eventual 7th round draft pick, in his only year at Utah. The 2002 Utes offense featured young QB Alex Smith, the eventual 2005 No. 1 NFL draft pick. Jim Harbaugh, Head Coach, Univ. of Michigan "He's very conscientious, very down to earth. Derek 1999-2001 BUCKNELL (defensive backs) Secondary coach for three straight winning Bison squads... Coached two Bucknell defensive backs to All-Patriot League really studies the game in an old-time, throwback fashion recognition... Bison defensive staff was directed by current Vanderbilt coordinator David Kotulski. and he's always looking for a better way to do things. Old school means we weren't blackboard coaches. We were 1997-98 IDAHO STATE (running backs) teaching. He is a great teacher." Mason coached Idaho State running backs for two years under Head Coach Tom Walsh. Willie Shaw, Former Defensive Coordinator in 1995-96 WEBER STATE (wide receivers) NFL and Stanford Mason worked with Weber State receivers, including Pokey Eckford, who earned All-America honors in 1995 after catching 77 passes for 1,074 yards and six TDs. "Derek Mason isn't satisfied with just being good enough at Vanderbilt. He won't back down in Nashville. He embraces 1994 MESA (ARIZONA) COMMUNITY COLLEGE (wide receivers) the challenges and tackles them as hard and as vigorously Mason entered collegiate coaching as a receivers coach with community college located in San Diego. as anyone ever has with the program." NFL MINORITY COACHING FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM Edward Aschoff, ESPN.com Mason spent time with the St. Louis Rams in 1996, New York Giants and Oakland Raiders through the Minority Coaching Fellowship Program. Philadelphia in 1999 and Minnesota in 2008.

30 @VANDYFOOTBALL COACHING STAFF

ANDY LUDWIG Offensive Coordinator; Running Backs/Tight Ends

Andy Ludwig, regarded among the leading establishing the second highest single-season college offensive coordinators in America, enters rushing total in NCAA FBS history. Gordon also his fourth year on the staff. paced all NCAA FBS backs with 29 rushing In addition to his coordinator role, Ludwig will touchdowns and briefly held the NCAA single- serve as running backs and tight ends coach. game rushing record after a 408-yard effort in In 2017, Ludwig's Commodore offense was a win over Nebraska. Behind Gordon, the 2014 a balanced attack, averaging 24.6 points and Badgers amassed a school-record 4,482 rushing 350.8 total yards. The unit was paced by junior yards. In 2013, Wisconsin was one of only four quarterback Kyle Shurmur and senior running FBS teams to amass 3,500 rushing yards and 2,500 back Ralph Webb. In his second season as passing yards. a starter, Shurmur set a team single-season Prior to joining Wisconsin, Ludwig spent the record with 26 touchdown passes and threw 2011-12 seasons at San Diego State. In 2012, the for 2,823 yards, the third highest season total Aztecs enjoyed success, going 9-4. In 2011, the in school history. Webb rushed for 831 yards SDSU offense averaged 427.4 yards. and 10 touchdowns and ended his career with Ludwig has been an offensive coordinator at 4,173 rushing yards and 32 rushing touchdowns, the NCAA level for 22 years. His teams have both school records. Ludwig's top tight end was been to 16 bowl games. Prior to his years at sophomore Jared Pinkney, who caught 22 passes Vanderbilt and San Diego, Ludwig served as and three touchdowns. offensive coordinator at California (2009-10), Ludwig's Vanderbilt tenure features Webb's Utah (2005-08), Oregon (2002-04), Fresno State rushing accomplishments and the development of (1998-01), Cal Poly (1997) and Augustana (1993- Shurmur. Webb departed the program as the SEC's 94). Ludwig helped Utah go to four bowls, No. 6 all-time rusher, while Shurmur is poised to including a 2009 Sugar Bowl win over Alabama, shatter numerous VU career passing records. as the Utes finished 13-0 and No. 2 in the nation. Ludwig joined Vanderbilt after two seasons as offensive coordinator and Ludwig's mentoring of quarterbacks includes two other signal callers that quarterbacks coach at Wisconsin, where the Badgers set numerous offensive eventually played in the NFL, Kellen Clemens of Oregon and 2002 NFL Draft No. records. A coaching veteran with 30 years of experience, Ludwig's coaching 1 pick David Carr of Fresno State. career also includes Ludwig played two seasons as a wide receiver at Snow College in Utah More on Coach Ludwig... stops as coordinator (1982-83) before earning two more letters at Portland State (1985-86). at San Diego State Ludwig and his wife Jill are the parents of a son, Joe, and daughter, Delaney. (2011-12), Cal (2009- Their son is a member of the University of Iowa football team. : Ogden, Utah HOMETOWN 10), Utah (2005-08), EDUCATION: Bachelor's: Exercise Science, Portland State, 1988 Oregon (2002-04) COLLEGIATE/NFL COACHING CAREER: and Fresno State 2015-18 Vanderbilt - Offensive Coordinator (1998-2001). 2013-14 Wisconsin - Offensive Coordinator Ludwig helped 2011-12 San Diego State - Offensive Coordinator rewrite the 2009-10 California - Offensive Coordinator Wisconsin record 2005-08 Utah - Offensive Coordinator 2002-04 Oregon - Offensive Coordinator book as the Badgers 1998-2001 Fresno State - Offensive Coordinator tallied two of the 1997 Cal Poly - Offensive Coordinator three highest 1995-96 Boise State - Quarterbacks Coach offensive outputs 1993-94 Augustana (S.D.) - Offensive Coordinator in school history en route to a 20-7 overall record and consecutive Jan. 1 postseason bowl appearances. The 2013 Wisconsin offense averaged a school-record 480.8 yards per game. The 2014 squad nearly matched those totals, averaging 34.6 points and 468.9 total yards. Ludwig's Wisconsin offenses were led by Heisman Trophy finalist Melvin Coach Ludwig and his wife, Jill, with their children, Joe and Delaney. Gordon. The consensus first team All-American rushed for 2,587 yards in 2014,

VANDERBILT FOOTBALL 2018 31 COACHING STAFF

JASON TARVER Defensive Coordinator; Outside Linebackers

Jason Tarver, one of the brightest In 2011, Tarver joined the Stanford defensive coaches in the nation with staff, working as a co-coordinator with experience in both collegiate and Mason under Shaw. That year, he and professional football, enters his first Mason molded the Cardinal defense into year with the Commodores as defensive one of the Pac-12's top units, ranking coordinator and outside linebackers either first or second in the conference coach. in total defense, scoring defense, rushing Tarver, who worked with Vanderbilt defense and quarterback sacks among head coach Derek Mason at Stanford other categories. University in 2011, brings 16 years of NFL From 2001-10, Tarver worked on the experience to Nashville after working San Francisco staff. He joined the 49ers with the San Francisco 49ers and as an offensive quality control from 2001- Oakland Raiders. 03, moved to an assistant running backs "Jason is as smart a football coach position in 2004, then became an outside as I've had the chance to be around. linebacker coach from 2005-10. We had a chance to work together at Tarver served as a graduate assistant Stanford and had the chance to partner at UCLA from 1998-2000. up and put together some pretty good Tarver started his career as a defensive defenses. He makes complex football and special teams coach at West Valley seem real easy. At this level you have to (Calif.) College from 1996-97. get it to the [student-athletes] fast, quick Tarver, a native of Northern California, and have them believe it. His presence from the NFL will translate to where entered Santa Clara (Calif.) University in 1993 on scholarship but the football we're at here at Vanderbilt. He's extremely bright. He's charismatic. His program was cut by university officials just months later. He later played the energy is going to be infectious for this group," Mason said. 1994-95 seasons as a defensive back at West Valley (Calif.) College before During his career, Tarver has worked with many outstanding coaches, returning to Santa Clara to complete his undergraduate degree. including Mason and David Shaw at Stanford, Bill Walsh, , Tarver earned a bachelor's degree in biochemistry at Santa Clara in 1997, John McVay, Mike Singletary, and Kyle Shanahan at San and a master's degree from UCLA in 2000. Francisco, Dennis Tarver and his wife, Katie, are the parents of two boys, Merrick and Allen of Oakland, Keegan. More on Coach Tarver... and Bob Toledo at UCLA. HOMETOWN: Pleasanton, Calif. Tarver comes EDUCATION: Bachelor's: Chemistry, Santa Clara Univ., 1997 from the 49ers Master's: Biochemistry, UCLA, 2000 where he served COLLEGIATE/NFL COACHING CAREER: as a senior 2018 Vanderbilt - Defensive Coordinator/OLB Coach defensive 2017 San Francisco 49ers (NFL) - Senior Def. Assistant assistant (OLBs)in 2015-16 San Francisco 49ers (NFL) - LB Coach 2017. He also 2012-14 Oakland Raiders (NFL) – Defensive Coordinator worked with 2011 Stanford - Co-Defensvie Coordinator/LB Coach outside 2005-10 San Francisco 49ers (NFL) - OLB Coach linebackers 2004 San Francisco 49ers (NFL) - Assistant RB Coach in 2016 and 2001-03 San Francisco 49ers (NFL) - Quality Control (Off.) linebackers in 1998-2000 UCLA - Graduate Assistant 2015 during his 1996-97 West Valley (Calif.) College - LB/DB/ST Coach three-year San Francisco stint. From 2012-14, Tarver served as defensive coordinator for the Oakland Raiders under head coach Dennis Allen. Tarver's innovations helped the Raider defense to overall improvement in his first two years with the team.

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SHAWN MENNENGA Special Teams Coordinator

Shawn Mennenga returns to Prior to joining the Browns, college football this season, serving Mennenga spent the 2009-10 seasons as special teams coordinator. This as the linebackers coach at South is his first year on Derek Mason's Dakota State University. In 2009, the Vanderbilt staff. Jackrabbits’ defense ranked in the "Shawn brings NFL experience, top 20 nationally in four categories, including seven years with the including pass efficiency (4th – 99.55), . He's bright, he's rushing defense (14th – 104.3 ypg), organized and he's a great teacher points per game allowed (16th – 17.4) and can make football really simple and total defense (17th – 289.5 ypg). and let guys play fast. He's going to Before joining South Dakota State’s be a great addition to this staff. He's staff, Mennenga spent four seasons truly a special teams [coach], he (2005-08) as the defensive coordinator can work with all facets -- kickers, at Fort Hays (Kansas) State University. punters and snappers. He's going He spent the previous four years to be vital to this team as we look to at Culver-Stockton (Mo.) College, play better on special teams," Mason where he served one season as the said. Wildcats’ defensive coordinator (2001) Mennenga joins the Commodores and the final three as the team’s head from the coach (2002-04). where he served the last seven During his collegiate coaching years as a special teams assistant with the Cleveland Browns. career, he has also held assistant positions at Hutchinson Community During his NFL tenure, Mennenga and special teams coordinator Chris College (defensive coordinator – 1998-2000), Western Kentucky University Tabor helped the Browns' players set NFL and franchise records. In 2016, (outside linebackers – 1997) and Southwest Baptist University (1995-96 – punter Britton Colquitt set a team net punting average record with 40.3. secondary; 1994 – graduate assistant). In 2015, kicker Travis Coons set an NFL record with 18 consecutive field Mennenga lettered one season as a defensive back at the University of goals to start his Missouri in 1992. career and punt A native of Iowa, he and his wife, Christie, have a son, Garrett, and a More on Coach Mennenga... returner Travis daughter, Ashley. Benjamin finished HOMETOWN: Melbourne, Iowa third in the league in EDUCATION: Bachelor's: Health & Sports Sciences, punt return average Wake Forest, 1990 (11.6). COLLEGIATE/NFL COACHING CAREER: In 2014, Mennenga 2018 Vanderbilt - Special Teams Coordinator assisted a special 2011-17 Cleveland Browns - ST assistant coach teams unit that 2009-10 South Dakota State - LB coach finished second in 2005-08 Fort Hays (Kan.) State - Def. Coordinator the NFL in opposing 2002-04 Culver-Stockton College - Head Coach field position on 2001 Culver-Stockton (Mo.) College - Def. Coordinator kickoffs, including 16 1998-2000 Hutchinson (Kan.) CC - Def. Coordinator stops inside the 20. 1997 Western Kentucky - OLB Coach In 2013, kicker 1995-96 Southwest Baptist - Secondary Coach Billy Cundiff set a 1994 Southwest Baptist (Mo.) Univ. - Grad. Assistant franchise record with 62 touchbacks on kickoffs. In 2012, kicker Phil Dawson and returner Joshua Cribbs were both selected to the Pro Bowl. Dawson's 93.5 (29 of 31) field goal percentage clip also led the AFC. Coach Mennenga and his wife, Christie, with children Ashley and Garrett.

VANDERBILT FOOTBALL 2018 33 COACHING STAFF

C.J. AH YOU Defensive Line

C.J. Ah You, a former University of of Oklahoma from 2005-06, helping the Oklahoma defensive standout and Sooners to a 19-7 overall record, the 2006 assistant, enters his third year as Big 12 title, and an appearance in the Vanderbilt's defensive line coach. 2006 Fiesta Bowl. He also served as the In his second year at Vanderbilt, Sooners’ defensive captain in 2006. Ah You pupils Jonathan Wynn, Dare Ah You started 25 games for the Odeyingbo and Dayo Odeyingbo Sooners at defensive end. As a senior combined for 8.5 quarterback sacks and in 2006, he earned first team All-Big 12 19 tackles for loss. After the season, honors after registering eight tackles for Wynn signed an NFL rookie free agent loss, four quarterback sacks and three deal with the Minnesota Vikings. forced . Ah You was named Big Senior defensive tackle Nifae Lealao 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year as a also enjoyed his best year in 2017, junior when he contributed 45 tackles, registering 23 total tackles. 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. He In 2016, senior lineman Adam Butler was also named Defensive MVP of the contributed a team-high four quarter- Holiday Bowl. back sacks among 31 tackles under Selected by Buffalo in the seventh Ah You's tutelage. Last year, Butler round of the 2007 NFL Draft, Ah You eventually started on the defensive line eventually played for the St. Louis for the New England Patriots as a rookie Rams from 2007-12, contributing six free agent. quarterback sacks and 41 total tackles Ah You came to Derek Mason's during his career. defense after serving two years at Ah You worked closely with several Oklahoma under former head coach charities as an NFL player, including United Bob Stoops. In 2015, Ah You worked as a special teams quality control Way, Red Cross and the National Breast Cancer Foundation among others. and helped with the defensive line for a Sooner squad that finished 11-2, Ah You completed a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University captured the Big 12 Conference championship and played in the College of Oklahoma in 2006. Football Playoff national semifinals. The 2015 Oklahoma defense played Ah You and his wife Chynea are the parents of four daughters: an important role in the Sooners’ team success. The Sooner pass rush Makiah, Atiana, Alei'a and Milani. ranked sixth nationally with 40 quarterback sacks and helped produce 20 interceptions, eighth most in the NCAA. The unit was dominant against Big 12 competition, ranking among the conference leaders in More on Coach Ah You... scoring defense, total defense, HOMETOWN: La Habra, Calif. defensive pass EDUCATION: Bachelor's: Sociology, Oklahoma, 2006 efficiency, sacks, COLLEGIATE COACHING CAREER: interceptions and first downs 2016-18 Vanderbilt - DL Coach allowed. 2014-15 Oklahoma - Quality Control (Special Teams) Anchoring the 2015 Sooner defense was senior defensive lineman Charles Tapper, who was named first team All-Big 12 after registering seven quarterback sacks and four forced fumbles. A native of Orange County in Southern California, Ah You was a two-year standout on the defensive front for the University Coach Ah You and his wife, Chynea, with daughters Mahiah, Atiana and Alei'a.

34 @VANDYFOOTBALL COACHING STAFF

TERRENCE BROWN Cornerbacks

Terrence Brown enters his first College Football Playoff semifinals. year on Derek Mason's defensive In Brown's first year assisting on staff. He will serve as cornerbacks the Washington staff, the Huskie coach. defense played a key role in the "Terrence is someone who played team's 7-6 season and a postseason at a high level for me at Stanford, he bowl victory. The unit ranked 13th was on the teams that played in the nationally in scoring defense in 2015. 2010 Orange Bowl, 2011 Fiesta Bowl Brown played for Mason at and 2012 Rose Bowl. His football IQ Stanford, where he was a two-year then was noticeable. He's been at starter at cornerback. the University of Washington as a As a senior at Stanford, he started young coach getting their corners to all 14 games at cornerback, finishing play well. Washington has been in fifth on the team with 65 total tackles the top 20 in defense [nationally] the as the Cardinal (12-2) won the last two years. He understands the Pac-12 championship and defeated making and the dynamic of teaching Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl. corners and that's important to me. As a junior in 2011, he started nine He's one of mine but he's taken it games and appeared in all 13 games to the next level. I expect to see as the Cardinal went 11-2 and earned tremendous growth from our corners a berth in the Fiesta Bowl. in 2018 and he's the right guy," Brown also played in six games as Mason said of Brown. a sophomore in 2010 for a Stanford Brown comes to Nashville from squad that went 12-1 and beat after spending the last three Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl. seasons as a defensive graduate assistant for the Washington Huskies Brown is a native of Compton, Calif., having graduated from Orange under head coach Chris Peterson. Lutheran High School where he earned first-team All-Trinity League and In 2017, Brown's efforts helped Washington to a 10-3 campaign and second-team All-CIF Southern Section honors. He also ran track as a appearance in the Playstation Fiesta Bowl against Penn State. The prep standout. Huskie defense limited Brown is engaged to Courtney Flores. opponents to just 16.1 More on Coach Brown... points and 298 total yards per game. HOMETOWN: Torrance, Calif. The Washington EDUCATION: Bachelor's: Science, Technology & Society defense also produced Stanford, 2013 15 interceptions and Master's: Education, Washington, 2017 recovered nine fumbles COLLEGIATE COACHING CAREER: during the season. 2018 Vanderbilt - Cornerbacks Coach In 2016, Brown 2015-17 Washington - Graduate Assistant (Defense) helped transform the Washington defense into one of the Pac-12's and nation's best units. That season, Washington ranked first in the Pac- 12 in scoring and total defense while ranking fifth nationally in scoring defense and eighth in total defense. In 2016, Brown worked with consensus All-American safety , second-team All-American cornerback Sidney Jones and Pac- 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year Taylor Rapp. That Huskies defense led the Pac-12 and ranked eighth in FBS in scoring defense while also leading the Pac-12 in total defense en route to an appearance in the

VANDERBILT FOOTBALL 2018 35 COACHING STAFF

GERRY GDOWSKI Quarterbacks

Gerry Gdowski enters his fifth season on consecutive seasons. Derek Mason's staff. He begins his third year In 2011, Gdowski's offense was the most as quarterbacks coach after mentoring VU productive unit in modern Ohio University history, tight ends in 2014-15. totaling 427 points and 6,241 total yards. In 2017, Gdowski helped junior Kyle Gdowski went to Ohio after eight seasons at Shurmur produce one of the best seasons ever New Mexico State. He was the Aggies' recruiting by a Vanderbilt quarterback. Shurmur threw coordinator and quarterbacks coach until 2003 for 26 touchdowns, a school record and the when he took over as offensive coordinator. The second-highest total in the SEC. He also threw Aggies ranked second in the Sun Belt Conference for 2,823 yards, the team's third highest season in 2004 in scoring offense and passing offense. total. Shurmur's improved efficiency rating of Gdowski began his coaching career at 137.6 ranked high among SEC quarterbacks. Nebraska, working with the quarterbacks, tight He threw for more than 250 yards in six games ends and receivers as a graduate assistant from and tossed four touchdowns in three separate 1991 to 1993. He then moved to South Dakota State, games. where he coached for three seasons. After two In 2016, Shurmur setting a new Vanderbilt years as quarterbacks and wide receivers coach, sophomore team record with 2,409 passing Gdowski was promoted to offensive coordinator. yards. He also concluded the regular season As a player, he earned three letters at Nebraska on a high note, leading the Commodores under legendary coach Tom Osborne. Gdowski was to impressive SEC wins over Ole Miss and the starting quarterback and 1989 team captain for Tennessee. Shurmur threw for 416 yards the Cornhuskers and was named to the first team against the Vols, the fifth highest single-game All-Big Eight. He was an eighth round choice of the ever by a Commodore. New Orleans Saints in the 1990 NFL Draft. Gdowski came to Vanderbilt after spending nine years at Ohio where he Gdowski excelled off the field at Nebraska as well. He earned CoSIDA mentored quarterbacks. Gdowski also had titles of assistant head coach and Academic All-America honors in 1989 and was awarded the National co-offensive coordinator. Football Foundation and Hall of Fame Postgraduate Scholarship as well as At Ohio, Gdowski helped mold Tyler Tettleton into one of the greatest the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship. A 1990 graduate of Nebraska with quarterbacks in Bobcats' history. Under Gdowski's tutelage, Tettleton set a bachelor's degree in business administration, Gdowski also went on to Ohio career records in passing yards and touchdowns, and became the earn his Masters of Education Administration from Nebraska in 1996. only quarterback in school history to surpass 2,500 passing yards in three A native of Fremont, Neb., Gdowski and his wife, Sam, are the parents of three sons: Isaac, Luke, and Tommy. More on Coach Gdowski...

HOMETOWN: Fremont, Neb. EDUCATION: Bachelor's: Business Administration, Nebraska, 1990 Master's: Education Administration, Nebraska, 1996 COLLEGIATE COACHING CAREER: 2016-18 Vanderbilt - QB Coach 2014-15 Vanderbilt - Recruiting Coordinator/TE Coach 2008-13 Ohio - Assistant Head Coach/co-Off. Coordinator/QB Coach 2005-07 Ohio - QB Coach 2003-04 New Mexico State - Assistant Head Coach/Off. Coordinator 1998-2002 New Mexico State - QB Coach/Recruiting Coordinator 1996-97 South Dakota State - Off. Coordinator 1994-95 South Dakota State - QB/WR Coach Coach Gdowski and his wife, Sam, with their sons: Issac, Luke and Tommy. 1991-93 Nebraska - Graduate Assistant (Offense)

36 @VANDYFOOTBALL COACHING STAFF

CHRIS MARVE Inside Linebackers

Chris Marve, a former two-time Marve became one of the most decorated Commodore defensive captain who ranks players in Vanderbilt modern history by among the program's all-time leading garnering All-SEC accolades in each of his four tacklers, enters his third year as the team's years. He topped the defense for tackles three inside linebackers coach. different seasons and was an instrumental In 2017, Marve's top pupil Oren Burks leader in the Commodores' push toward the ranked second on the team with 45 solo 2008 Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl and the tackles and 82 total tackles. After the 2011 AutoZone Liberty Bowl. season, Burks was selected by Green Bay in The Memphis product quickly established the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. himself as a Vanderbilt student-athlete, Zach Cunningham, Marve's top earning Freshman All-America honors in 2008 understudy in 2016, enjoyed one of the after registering 105 tackles and four forced greatest seasons and careers ever by a fumbles. He capped his 2008 season with a Commodore. He earned consensus first 10-tackle performance in the Commodores’ team All-America recognition en route to Music City Bowl victory over Boston College. arguably becoming the most decorated In 2009, Marve also earned second team defender in program history. All-SEC recognition after posting 121 tackles. Cunningham, who topped the SEC with In 2010, Marve again earned coaches’ 125 total tackles as a senior, is now starting All-SEC honors as a junior co-captain. That in the ' linebacker corps year, he finished with 80 tackles. after being taken No. 57 overall by Houston As a senior, Marve contributed 91 in the 2017 NFL Draft. tackles, earned All-SEC recognition, and was Marve was named to 247Sports' 30 Under instrumental in leading the Dores back to 30 Coaches list in 2017. postseason play. Marve joined the Commodore defensive staff in 2014, working as a Marve ranks eighth on VU's career charts with 397 total tackles. quality control assistant. After focusing on linebackers as a graduate Marve completed undergraduate degrees in sociology and human & assistant in 2015, Marve was promoted to the inside linebacker position organizational development in 2011. He earned a Masters of Education in prior to the 2016 campaign. higher education administration from Vanderbilt in 2015. Marve’s value has been evident since joining the Vanderbilt staff. In Marve is married to the former Lauren Dillard, a fellow Vanderbilt his first two years on graduate. staff, the unit enjoyed More on Coach Marve... vast improvement in several key statistical HOMETOWN: Memphis, Tenn. categories, including EDUCATION: Bachelor's: Sociology, Human & scoring defense, total Organizational Development, Vanderbilt, 2011 defense, first downs Master's: Education, Vanderbilt 2015 allowed, third-down COLLEGIATE COACHING CAREER: efficiency and red- 2016-18 Vanderbilt - ILBs Coach zone defense. 2015 Vanderbilt - Graduate Assistant (Defense) Marve also helped 2014 Vanderbilt - Quality Control (Defense) Cunningham and fellow linebacker Nigel Bowden to banner campaigns in 2014-15. Cunningham earned first team All-SEC by posting 16.5 tackles for loss among 103 total stops. Bowden was a Freshman All- SEC selection in 2014 after registering 78 tackles. Marve also mentored VU linebacker , who was selected in the 7th round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He enters his third year with the Minnesota Vikings in 2018. Coach Marve and his wife Lauren.

VANDERBILT FOOTBALL 2018 37 COACHING STAFF

MARC MATTIOLI Defensive Secondary

Marc Mattioli enters his fourth another Rose Bowl appearance and year on the Commodore defensive conference title. staff. A former Stanford defensive Mattioli has strong ties to the assistant, Mattioli will serve as South. Prior to joining the Stanford Vanderbilt's defensive secondary staff, Mattioli served two seasons coach. as the defensive line coach for Mattioli developed Ryan White, LaGrange (Ga) College. Arnold Tarpley III and LaDarius Wiley Mattioli played tight end as a into productive starting safeties in freshman at Rhodes College in 2016-17. All three safeties ranked Memphis before transitioning to among the team's leading tacklers the defensive line for his final three both seasons. campaigns. He served as team Wiley enters the 2018 season considered among the SEC's top captain as a senior in 2008, and was safeties. part of the 2006 Rhodes defense that Another pupil, cornerback Tre ranked fifth nationally. Herndon, was a two-year starter in He earned Southern Collegiate 2016-17, and signed a rookie free agent Athletic Conference All-Academic deal with the . honors four times. Mattioli was the Mattioli started with the National Football Foundation and Commodores in 2014 as the team's College Hall of Fame Outstanding safeties coach. Student-Athlete Award recipient for Mattioli joined Vanderbilt after Rhodes and was an all-SCAC choice serving three years at Stanford, in 2006 and 2008. including two seasons with Mason as a defensive graduate assistant. Mattioli was a standout athlete at Roswell (Ga.) H.S. Mattioli was a defensive quality control assistant for the Cardinal in Mattioli graduated from Rhodes with a bachelor's degree in political 2014, focusing his efforts on the Stanford secondary. In 2012-13, he served science. He earned a master's from LaGrange College and worked toward as a defensive a postgraduate degree in liberal arts from Stanford. graduate assistant, More on Coach Mattioli... helping Mason as a defensive backs HOMETOWN: Roswell, Ga. and safeties mentor. EDUCATION: Bachelor's: Political Science, Rhodes College, 2009 In 2014, Stanford COLLEGIATE COACHING CAREER: finished second 2016-18 Vanderbilt - Defensive Secondary Coach nationally in scoring 2015 Vanderbilt - Safeties Coach defense, third in 2014 Stanford - Quality Control (Defense) total defense, and 2012-13 Stanford - Graduate Assistant (Defense) eighth in passing 2010-11 LaGrange (Ga.) College - DL Coach defense. The Cardinal secondary was led by strong safety Jordan Richards with three interceptions and three forced fumbles. A first team All-Pac 12 selection as a senior, Richards also was awarded the 2014 National Scholar-Athlete Award. Mattioli also worked with highly ranked Stanford defenses as a graduate assistant in 2012 and 2013. The Cardinal ranked 10th nationally in scoring defense during a run to the Rose Bowl in 2013, and led the Pac-12 in scoring defense and total defense in the 2012 campaign that included

38 @VANDYFOOTBALL COACHING STAFF

AARON MOOREHEAD Wide Receivers

Aaron Moorehead enters his first Phillips amassed 143 catches and 1,595 year on Derek Mason's Vanderbilt staff receiving yards. Ford is in his second as wide receivers coach. NFL season, as a wide receiver with the "Aaron is real interesting when you . look at his career. He was a walk- From 2010-12, Moorehead worked on at Illinois, earned a scholarship, on the Stanford University staff undrafted free agent, winds up playing with Mason. He served as offensive five years in the NFL with the Colts graduate assistant for Cardinal teams and wins a Super Bowl. He's a hard that played in the Rose Bowl, Orange worker that understands the game. Bowl and Fiesta Bowl. He was raised in the game, his dad Moorehead started his collegiate played in the NFL. Once [Aaron] was coaching career as an offensive done playing in the NFL, he came to graduate assistant at the University of Stanford to be a graduate assistant New Mexico in 2009. and I had a chance to work with him Moorehead spent five years in and see his work ethic. He's a true the NFL as a wide receiver with the teacher and gets guys to play at a high Indianapolis Colts. He played on the level," Mason said of his new offensive Colts' squad that captured Super Bowl assistant coach. XLI by defeating the Chicago Bears. Moorehead comes to the The world championship allowed Commodores after serving as wide receivers coach at Texas A&M for the Moorehead and his father, Emery, to become the first father-son combo to last three seasons under former head coach Kevin Sumlin. both win a Super Bowl. At Texas A&M, Moorehead helped develop one of the SEC's most Moorehead concluded his NFL career with 31 catches, 330 receiving exciting players of recent years in Christian Kirk. In his three years on the yards and a touchdown. College Station campus, Kirk amassed 234 receptions, good for 2,856 yards Moorehead and 26 touchdowns. played collegiately In addition to Kirk, Moorehead developed Josh Reynolds into a standout at the University receiver at Texas A&M. As a junior and senior in 2015-16, Reynolds posted of Illinois, earning 112 catches, 1,946 four letters from receiving yards and 17 1999-2002. He More on Coach Moorehead... touchdowns. finished his career Both Kirk and at Illinois with HOMETOWN: Aurora, Colo. Reynolds are now 85 receptions, EDUCATION: Bachelor's: Sports Management, playing in the NFL: Kirk good for 1,293 University of Illinois, 2003 as a second-round pick yards and nine COLLEGIATE COACHING CAREER: of the Arizona Cardinals; touchdowns. 2018 Vanderbilt - WRs Coach and Reynolds as a A native of 2015-17 Texas A&M - WRs Coach fourth-round selection of Deerfield, Ill., 2013-14 Virginia Tech - WRs Coach the Los Angeles Rams. Moorehead 2010-12 Stanford - Graduate Assistant (Offense) Two more Texas A&M earned a 2009 New Mexico - Graduate Assistant (Offense) receivers mentored bachelor's by Moorehead, Ricky degree in sports Seals-Jones and management from Damion Ratley, also are playing the NFL: Seals-Jones with Arizona and Illinois in 2003. Ratley with the Cleveland Browns. He and his At Virginia Tech, Moorehead had three wide receivers post 40-plus wife, Rosalyn, catches in the same season for the first time in program history. In 2013, Willie have three Byrn, Demitri Knowles and Joshua Stanford combined for 146 receptions and children: Avari, Coach Moorehead and his wife, Rosalyn, with their 1,941 receiving yards for the Hokies. The next year, Byrn, Isaiah Ford and Cam Mason and Aliah. children: Avari, Mason and Aliah.

VANDERBILT FOOTBALL 2018 39 COACHING STAFF

CAMERON NORCROSS Offensive Line

Cameron Norcross enters his third year as Tormey in 2001-02. In 2003, he was hired on offensive line coach for the Commodores. full time as the tight ends and co-offensive Norcross, who joined Vanderbilt after a line coach. Wolf Pack Hall of Famer Chris stint at Fresno State, molded an inexperienced Ault returned to the program as head coach offensivel line in 2016 and 2017 into a unit that in 2004, keeping Norcross on his staff in the opened holes for multiple-year starter Ralph same role all the way up until 2010 when he Webb. The running back went on to set three was promoted to the run-game coordinator season and numerous career rushing marks, and offensive line coach. Norcross played an including 4,173 rushing yards and 33 rushing important role in the development of Ault's touchdowns. innovative "Pistol" offense since its inception Last year, Norcross moved veteran Bruno in 2005. Reagan from guard to center and Justin Skule Nevada led the nation in rushing in 2009, a from right tackle to the left side to help develop year in which the Wolf Pack became the first guards Saige Young and Egidio DellaRipa and team in NCAA history to have three 1,000-yard young tackle Devin Cochran. rushers in the same season. In nine seasons This year, all five return, along with several coaching offensive linemen at Nevada, other solid contributors and starting candidates. Norcross mentored eight players to first team Norcross helped 2016 Vanderbilt graduate all-conference honors and another eight to Will Holden move on to the next level. Holden second-team accolades. was a fifth round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, and Prior to joining Tim DeRuyter's staff at started at Arizona as a rookie. Fresno State in 2012, the two had previously Norcross came to Nashville after serving worked together at Nevada in 2005 and four years at Fresno State and an 11-year stint 2006 when DeRuyter was the co-defensive at his alma mater, the University of Nevada. coordinator for the Wolf Pack. Over those two As a Fresno State staffer, Norcross helped the Bulldogs to three bowl seasons, DeRuyter and Norcross helped lead Nevada to a 17-8 record, a appearances. In 2013, the Bulldogs went 11-2 overall, and capped the year share of the 2005 WAC Championship and two bowl appearances. with a Las Vegas A native of Ely, Nev., Norcross earned a bachelor's degree from the Bowl appearance. University of Nevada in management. More on Coach Norcross... Norcross' lines He and his wife, Jennifer, are the parents of a son, Jacob, and two were the backbone daughters, Kylie and Madison. HOMETOWN: Ely, Nevada of a potent EDUCATION: Bachelor's: Management, Univ. of Nevada, 1999 offensive attack at COLLEGIATE COACHING CAREER: Fresno State. From 2016-18 Vanderbilt - OL Coach 2012-14, the unit 2012-15 Fresno State - OL Coach helped Fresno to 2010-11 Nevada - Run Game Coordinator/OL Coach put up 500 or more 2003-09 Nevada - TEs/Co-OL Coach yards of offense 18 2001-02 Nevada - Offensive Graduate Assistant times. The offense also tallied at least 40 points in 18 games. In 2013, the Fresno State line was considered one of the best in program history as the Bulldogs tied the school record for wins and captured the Mountain West Conference championship. Norcross mentored second team All-Mountain West recipient Alex Fifita and Academic All-America honoree Justin Northern at Fresno State. Norcross served at Nevada before joining the Fresno State staff, helping his alma mater to seven consecutive bowl appearances from 2005-11. A three-year letterman on the Wolf Pack offensive line (1997-99), Coach Norcross and his wife, Jennifer, with their three children: Kylie, Norcross was an All-Big West selection in 1998. Madison and Jacob. Norcross started at Nevada as a graduate assistant under coach Chris

40 @VANDYFOOTBALL COACHING STAFF

JAMES DOBSON Head Strength Coach

James Dobson enters his fourth year as average 37.4 points, 248 rushing yards and Vanderbilt's head strength coach. 446.2 total yards. Dobson's efforts also Dobson oversees all aspects of the Vanderbilt produced a tenacious Nebraska squad. strength program for football, which includes The Huskers were known for producing winter conditioning, summer workouts and remarkable comeback victories in recent in-season training. years, including four such wins during the Dobson has placed his stamp on the 2012 season. Commodore program, molding an enthusiastic Prior to Nebraska, Dobson spent nine years roster that strides to play every snap with with the Iowa Hawkeye football program. relentlessness, toughness and intelligence. He was in Iowa City during one of the most The Commodores' overall fitness has been successful periods in school history. Iowa on display in the fourth quarter when they appeared in bowl games in six seasons and outscored opponents 196-177 over the last three won 38 games from 2002 to 2005. years. The Commodores have also enjoyed Dobson has had a history of working impressive regular-season finale victories over with some of the top college football Tennessee in each of the last two seasons. players in the country over the past In the last three years, Dobson has trained decade. Dobson's top pupils at Vanderbilt four Commodores selected in the NFL draft, include All-America linebacker Zach including linebackers Zach Cunningham and Cunningham and offensive lineman Will Oren Burks, and 12 others who have earned Holden, both selected in the 2017 NFL rookie free agent deals. Draft, and Commodore all-time leading Prior to joining Vanderbilt, Dobson, a native rusher Ralph Webb. At Nebraska, he of Mt. Horeb, Wisc., spent seven years guiding worked with defensive tackle Ndamukong Nebraska's conditioning programs under former Suh, cornerback Prince Amukamara and Cornhusker football head coach Bo Pelini. In Dobson's tenure, Nebraska was linebacker Lavonte David along others. His top Iowa pupils included safety one of three teams nationally, joining Alabama and Oregon, to post at least Bob Sanders, tight end Dallas Clark, offensive tackle Robert Gallery and nine wins every year. linebacker Chad Greenway. The 2014 Nebraska squad conditioned by Dobson played in the Holiday In addition to his experience at Iowa, Dobson worked for two years as Bowl. The Huskers made a post-season bowl appearance every year in an assistant strength and conditioning coach at Southern Methodist. Dobson's tenure. Utilizing Dobson's strength program, the Huskers were Dobson attended the University of Wisconsin, where he earned a regarded among the nation's most outstanding fourth-quarter teams. In 2014, bachelor's in kinesiology in 1996. He earned a master's of science and the Huskers outscored opponents by a remarkable 119-62 margin. Nebraska administration degree from Central Michigan in 2004. also scored more fourth-quarter points than its foes in 2008 (155-52), 2009 In 2012, Dobson was one of 15 strength and conditioning coaches (96-32), 2010 (64-53) and 2012 (101-82). certified as a Master Strength and Conditioning Coach by the Collegiate In 2014, Dobson's conditioning program helped the Nebraska offense Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association. Dobson and his wife, Rebecca, have a son, Colton, and a daughter, Elise. More on Coach Dobson... Coach Dobson and his wife, HOMETOWN: Mt. Horeb, Wisc. Rebecca, with EDUCATION: Bachelor's: Kinesiology, Wisconsin, 1996 their daughter, Master's: Science & Administration, Central Michigan, 2004 Elise, and son, COLLEGIATE COACHING CAREER: 2015-18 Vanderbilt - Head Strength Coach Colton. 2008-14 Nebraska - Head Strength Coach 1999-2007 Iowa - Assistant Strength Coach 1997-98 SMU - Assistant Strength Coach

VANDERBILT FOOTBALL 2018 41 STRENGTH STAFF

Tyler Matt CLARKE MANNINGER Role: Assistant Director, Role: Assistant Coach, Strength Staff Strength Staff Year on Staff: 4th Year on Staff: 4th Alma Mater: Iowa, 2005 Alma Mater: Nebraska, 2013

Tyler Clarke enters his fourth year with the Vanderbilt strength Matt Manninger enters his fourth season as a member of the staff. He serves as assistant director of the strength staff, assisting Vanderbilt coaching staff, serving as an assistant to head strength head strength coach James Dobson with all aspects of football coach James Dobson. conditioning, including winter and summer workouts, and in-season A graduate of the University of Nebraska, Manninger has worked preparation. at Vanderbilt with Dobson's staff since June 2015. Clarke came to Vanderbilt after serving seven seasons as an Before joining the Commodore program, Manninger worked as a assistant strength coach with Dobson for the University of Nebraska strength intern at the University of Maryland during the 2014 football football program. season. He also served as a strength intern with Before moving to Nebraska, Clarke spent three seasons as a full- University of Idaho student-athletes during the summer of 2014. time assistant strength and coach at the University of Iowa. He also As an undergraduate student in Lincoln, Manninger earned a served as a student assistant with the Iowa conditioning staff while letter in 2012 as a linebacker with the Cornhusker football team. working toward his degree. He earned a bachelor's degree in dietetics and nutrition/exercise Clarke earned his bachelor's in health and sports studies from Iowa and health sciences from Nebraska. He later completed a Masters in 2005 and his master's in administration from Central Michigan in in Human Nutrition from Eastern Michigan University. 2008. He is a certified strength and conditioning specialist through the Professionally, Manninger is certified through the Collegiate Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association. He was Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association. named a master strength and conditioning coach by CSCCA in 2018. Clarke and his wife, Oxana, are the parents of a 5-year-old son, Aleksandr, and 3-year-old daughter, Vera. Fahd Aaron JINDANI Role: Assistant Coach, HILL Strength Staff Role: Assistant Coach, Year on Staff: 2nd Strength Staff Alma Mater: Year on Staff: 4th Christopher Newport, 2014 Alma Mater: Minnesota, 2013 Fahd Jindani enters his second year with the Vanderbilt football team as an assistant under head strength coach James Dobson. Aaron Hill enters his fourth year as an assistant under head He assists Dobson and his staff with all aspects of the Vanderbilt strength coach James Dobson. football program, including in-season and off-season training. A native of St. Charles, Mo., Hill assists Dobson and his staff with Before joining Vanderbilt, Jindani worked as a graduate assistant all aspects of the Vanderbilt football program, including in-season in strength and conditioning at Springfield (Mass.) College. While at and off-season training. Springfield, Jindani designed and implemented in-season and off- Hill joined Vanderbilt after serving a strength and conditioning season training programs for football, women’s lacrosse, track and internship with the of the National Football field, baseball and women’s soccer. League. Previously, he worked in a similar internship for the Jindani also interned at the College of the Holy Cross in Massa- University of Minnesota football program during the 2014 regular chusetts during the 2015-16 school year under head strength coach season. Jeff Oliver and with the University of Iowa football program under Hill was a linebacker and captain at Minnesota, contributing 192 head strength coach Chris Doyle during the summer of 2016. career tackles, five forced fumbles and four interceptions during a A native of Richmond, Va., Jindani played linebacker at 47-game career. He was a two-time recipient of Minnesota's Butch Christopher Newport (Va.) University for two years before a knee Nash Award for competitiveness on and off the field. injury ended his playing career. After the injury, Jindani served as Hill completed a bachelor's degree in kinesiology-sports sci- a defensive student assistant coach and interned with the strength ence from Minnesota in 2013. He earned a Masters of Education in staff as a senior at Christopher Newport. applied kinesiology-sport and execise science from Minnesota the Jindani earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Christo- following year. pher Newport and a Master’s in Exercise Science with a concentra- Professionally, Hill is certified through the Collegiate Strength tion in strength and conditioning from Springfield College. and Conditioning Coaches Association. Professionally, Jindani is certified through the Collegiate Strength Hill and the former Lexi Williams were married in May 2018. and Conditioning Coaches Association.

42 @VANDYFOOTBALL COACHING STAFF

BRET OSIA INGALLS LEWIS Senior Offensive Analyst Senior Defensive Analyst

Bret Ingalls, a 34-year coaching veteran who has extensive collegiate Veteran collegiate coach Osia Lewis serves as senior analyst for the and professional experience, enters his first year with the Vanderbilt Commodore defense. football team. He will assist offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig as a A 28-year veteran of collegiate coaching, Lewis stepped away from full-time senior analyst. coaching last year due to illness. He served in the dual role of senior defensive Ingalls joins the Commodores after serving the 2016-17 seasons at the assistant and special consultant to Coach Mason in 2017. University of Florida as an offensive analyst under head coach Jim In 2016, Lewis joined Mason's staff as senior defensive assistant and McElwain. outside linebackers coach. For a seven-year period before joining Florida, Ingalls was a valuable Lewis brought extensive experience to Vanderbilt, having served as a de- member of the New Orleans Saints' NFL coaching staff. He was hired by fensive coordinator at the collegiate and professional levels. He has coached the Saints in 2009 as running backs coach, helping direct the standout in 10 bowl games with teams from the Pac-12, Big Ten, Conference USA and trio of Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell. That season, the Mountain West. Saints went 13-3 in the regular season and eventually claimed their only Prior to joining Mason at Vanderbilt, Lewis worked five years as defensive championship title in Super Bowl XLIV. line coach at San Diego State under head coach Rocky Long. The 2009 Saints offense was the NFL's most productive unit. Its rushing In 2015, San Diego State enjoyed a banner year on the strength of a attack ranked sixth in the NFL. top-ranked defense. The Aztecs finished 11-3 overall, captured the MWC In 2013, Ingalls was named New Orleans' offensive line coach, championship and earned a 42-7 win over Cincinnati in the Hawaii Bowl. continuing in that role through 2015. His final Saints' offensive front was The Aztecs were sparked by an outstanding defense that ranked among regarded among the best in the NFL. the NCAA Top 10 in several defensive categories. The team finished the year Prior to joining the Saints, Ingalls served as offensive line coach fifth nationally in total defense (287.3 ypg), seventh in scoring defense (16.4 at Northwestern University from 2006-08. Ingalls' offensive line at ppg), seventh in rush defense (108.7 ypg), and 10th in pass efficiency. Northwestern showed improvement through his tenure in Evansville. By The defense also helped SDSU lead the nation in turnover margin. The 2008, the Wildcats went 9-4 overall, advancing to the Alamo Bowl. Aztecs' interior pressure forced opponents into 34 turnovers, en route to a The Wildcat offense during Ingalls' tenure featured an offensive line remarkable plus-19 turnover margin by season's end. blocking for running back Tyrell Sutton, who finished his Northwestern One of Lewis' top pupils in 2015 was junior Alex Barrett, who produced career with 3.886 rushing yards and 5,138 all-purpose yards. 13 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks while earning first team All-Mountain West Ingalls served as offensive line and tight ends coach at Indiana State in honors. Barrett also was the fourth Atzec lineman to receive all-league recog- 2004 and Miami (Ohio) in 2005. nition during Lewis' tenure. From 1995-2003, Ingalls served as offensive coordinator at three In 2014, the SDSU defense finished among the NCAA Top 20 in scoring universities: Louisville, Northern Iowa and Idaho. defense and total defense. He started his collegiate coaching career as a graduate assistant at Before San Diego State, Lewis worked as a coordinator in the United Idaho, then became an offensive coach at San Diego State (1989-93) and Football League in 2010, and as defensive coordinator at UTEP in 2008-09. Eastern Michigan (1994) before joining Louisville in 1995 as offensive From 2003-07, Lewis served as defensive coordinator at the University coordinator. of New Mexico. He also had stints coaching the Lobos' defensive line and Ingalls has worked with several stellar head coaches, including Sean linebackers. Payton at New Orleans, Pat Fitzgerald at Northwestern, and , In his tenure at New Mexico, the Lobos went to four bowl games and its Keith Gilbertson and at Idaho. defensive unit ranked fifth nationally in rushing defense in 2003. A native of San Jose, Calif., Ingalls attended the University of Colorado, In 2008-09, Lewis served as defensive coordinator at Texas-El Paso, then then transferred to Wichita State University where he played running spent 2010 coaching in the United Football League. back. From 1997-2002, Lewis guided linebackers and the defensive line at the He earned a bachelor's degree in business management from the University of Illinois. In his final year, the Illini played in the 2002 Nokia Sugar University of Idaho in 1984. Bowl. Ingalls and his wife, Diana, are the parents of three children: Samuel, Lewis' first full-time coaching position at the NCAA FBS level came at Jack and Breana. his alma mater, Oregon State. He served as a linebackers coach and special teams coach with the Beavers from 1991-96. A native of Tucson, Ariz., Lewis was a team captain and honorable mention All-America at Oregon State. Lewis was All-Pac 10 and named the Beavers' most inspirational player. He continued his playing career professionally in the Canadian Football League and Arena Football League. Lewis earned a bachelor's in social science education from Oregon State in 1986. He also completed a master's in education from Oregon State in 1989. Lewis and his wife, Darlene, are the parents of a son, Marvin, and a daughter, Kiana.

VANDERBILT FOOTBALL 2018 43 COACHING STAFF

Patrick BRYCE ASHFORD LEWIS Role: Graduate Assistant - Offense Role: Graduate Assistant - Defense Year on Staff: 1st Year on Staff: 1st Alma Mater: Tennessee, 2015 Alma Mater: Vanderbilt, 2018

Patrick Ashford enters his first year on the Vanderbilt coaching staff. Former Vanderbilt student-athlete Bryce Lewis enters his first year on Ashford will serve as a graduate assistant for the offense working with the coaching staff as a graduate assistant. Commodore tight ends. Lewis will assist defensive secondary coaches Terrence Brown and Ashford comes to Vanderbilt from Tennessee-Martin staff where he worked Marc Mattioli during the 2018 season. the last four months as quarterbacks coach. During the 2016-17 seasons, he Lewis earned three varsity letters as a defensive back for the worked as an offensive assistant at Austin Peay under head coach Will Healy. Commodores from 2015-17. Playing through injuries, Lewis appeared in 32 Ashford attended the University of Tennessee, earning two letters. He career games, earning two starting assignments. He registered 16 solo appeared in 24 games during his career, serving as Tennessee's primary tackles, 21 total tackles and one during his career. holder for the 2014-15 seasons. He appeared in two bowl victories. A product of Parkview H.S. in Lilburn, Ga., Lewis completed a bachelor's Ashford earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Tennessee degree in special education in May. He will be working toward a Masters in in 2015. He is pursuing a Masters in Liberal Arts and Sciences. Learning, Diversity & Urban Studies from Vanderbilt's Peabody College. A native of Morristown, Tenn., Ashford is married to the former Erin Lewis and the former Kryslynn Davidson were married in July 2018. Howard. TJ Keith WEYL JONES Role: Graduate Assistant - Defense Role: Graduate Assistant - Offense Year on Staff: 1st Year on Staff: 1st Alma Mater: Cornell, 2012 Alma Mater: Kenyon, 2014 TJ Weyl enters his first year with the Commodore coaching staff. He will Keith Jones, a former assistant coach and four-year letterwinner at serve as a defensive graduate assistant, working with the Vanderbilt Kenyon (Ohio) College, enters his first year with the Commodores as a grad- linebacker coaches. uate assistant. He will work with offensive line coach Cameron Norcross. In 2017, Weyl served as quality control assistant for a Princeton offense For the last three years, Jones has served as an assistant at his alma that averaged 38.2 points, 483 total yards and 351 passing yards per game. mater. In 2016-17, Jones was offensive coordinator, offensive line coach In 2016, Weyl started his coaching career as an offensive quality control at and recruiting coordinator at Kenyon, helping an offense that averaged 305 Monmouth, a member of the Big South Conference. passing yards last year. In 2015, he started his coaching duties at Kenyon as A native of Medfield, Mass., Weyl graduated from Cornell University. He running backs coach. was a lacrosse player at Cornell, helping the Big Red to back-to-back NCAA A native of Detroit, Mich., Jones was a starter at defensive end and tight Final Four appearances in 2009-10. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history. end at Kenyon, where he earned a bachelor’s in psychology in 2014. He will be working toward a Masters in Liberal Arts and Sciences at Jones will be working toward a Masters in Liberal Arts and Sciences. Vanderbilt.

44 @VANDYFOOTBALL COACHING STAFF

Tate Jovan BENTON HAYE Role: Quality Control - Defense Role: Quality Control - Defense Year on Staff: 4th Year on Staff: 1st Alma Mater: Mississippi State, 2014 Alma Mater: Vanderbilt, 2007

Benton enters his fourth year with the Vanderbilt program. Benton Jovan Haye, a former Vanderbilt defensive standout and NFL veteran, enters his second year as defensive quality control role this year after enters his first season as a defensive quality control. He will assist first-year serving two years as a graduate assistant. Vanderbilt defensive coordinator Jason Tarver and defensive line position As a Vanderbilt graduate assistant, Benton has worked with both sides coach C.J. Ah You. of the ball: contributing to the offense in 2015 and aiding the defense in Haye was a two-time captain and 2003 All-SEC performer for the 2016. Commodores while starting 34 games on the defensive line from 2002-04. He Benton joined the Commodores after serving two seasons as an under- finished his VU career with 11 sacks among 149 total tackles. graduate assistant at Mississippi State. Haye was selected in the sixth round of the 2005 NFL Draft by Carolina. He Benton played wide receiver at Harding Academy before moving to played for Carolina, Cleveland, Tampa Bay, Tennessee and Detroit. Jackson, Tenn., where he graduated from Jackson Christian School. He A native of Jamaica who moved to the United States as a first grader, Haye attended Union (Tenn.) University for two years before transferring to earned a bachelor’s degree in Human and Organizational Development from Mississippi State. Vanderbilt in 2007. Benton earned a bachelor's in history from Mississippi State in 2014 and a master's in liberal arts and sciences from Vanderbilt in 2016. Haye and his wife, Jennifer, are the parents of three girls: Jorielle, Jaiana and Janiyah. Ryan BLAKNEY Rayna Role: Quality Control - Offense STEWART Year on Staff: 4th Role: Quality Control - Special Teams Alma Mater: San Diego State, 2013 Year on Staff: 4th (1st in this role) Alma Mater: Northern Arizona, 1996 Blakney enters his fourth season on staff, assisting offensive coordina- tor Andy Ludwig as a quality control assistant. Rayna Stewart, the former Vanderbilt Director of Player Development, Blakney has been a key behind-the-scenes contributor for Ludwig's enters his first year as a special teams quality control. offense that has averaged nearly 25 points and more than 350 yards the This marks Stewart's fourth year with Coach Mason. Previously, he served last two years. The unit has been paced by all-time Commodore rusher Ralph Webb and rising senior quarterback Kyle Shurmur. as a liaison between student-athletes, the Commodore coaching staff and The native of San Diego came to Vanderbilt from Wisconsin where he other departments in Vanderbilt Athletics overseeing the team's player devel- also worked with Ludwig. At Wisconsin, Blakney contributed to one of the opment office. NCAA's top offenses. In 2014, the Badgers, paced by All-America running Stewart enjoyed a five-year career in the National Football League. He back Melvin Gordon, averaged 34.6 points and 320.1 rushing yards. was a defensive back and appeared on special teams for Houston-Tennessee In 2013, Blakney worked in offensive quality control at San Diego (1996-97), Miami (1998) and Jacksonville (1999-2000). State. He also served as a student assistant at the school from 2011-12. Stewart has coached previously in the collegiate and professional ranks. Blakney graduated from SDSU in 2013 with a bachelor's in kinesiology. He served as a graduate assistant at Northwestern under Pat Fitzgerald from Blakney is married to the former Jennifer Weil. 2007-09, and as a defensive quality control coach with the under Jeff Fisher from 2009-11. Stewart was a two-time All-America cornerback at Northern Arizona. He Darrius was selected by Houston in the fifth round of the 1996 NFL draft. He will enter the Northern Arizona Athletic Hall of Fame this year. DARDEN-BOX Stewart earned a bachelor's in advertising from Northern Arizona, and Role: Quality Control - Offense master's in education administration from Tennessee State. Year on Staff: 1st Stewart and his wife, Sonia, have four children: ShaRae, Tre, Mycah and Jadyn. His wife is an executive principal in the Nashville school system, and Alma Mater: Southeast Missouri State, 2016 earned her doctorate of education at Vanderbilt.

Darrius Darden-Box enters his first year with Derek Mason's program. He will aid VU offensive coaches as a quality control assistant. Darden-Box, a native of Nashville, was a three-year letterwinner at wide receiver at Southeast Missouri State University. He caught 29 passes for 242 yards and two touchdowns for the Redhawks. Darden-Box was a two-way starter at Nashville's Pearl-Cohn H.S. as a prep player. He earned a bachelor's degree in recreation from SEMO in 2016.

VANDERBILT FOOTBALL 2018 45 FOOTBALL STAFF

Jason Jake GROOMS KIRKENDALL Role: Assistant Athletics Director/ Role: Director of Football Football Operations Year on Staff: 5th Year on Staff: 1st Alma Mater: Ohio, 2001 Alma Mater: Ohio, 2007

Jason Grooms enters his fifth season as a Vanderbilt football administrator. Grooms is Jake Kirkendall begins his first year on the Vanderbilt staff, serving his third season as Assistant Athletics Director for Football after serving Derek Mason’s program in the key role of Director of being hired by Head Coach Derek Mason in 2014 as director of football operations. Football Operations. Grooms continues a working relationship with Mason that dates back a decade. Kirkendall will help oversee and direct the daily management of When Grooms became Ohio University's first director of football operations in 2005, the Vanderbilt football effort, working to build cohesiveness and Mason was the Bobcats' receivers coach. unity among all aspects of the program: student-athletes, coaches, Grooms oversees all facets of the football operations program, from the day-to-day strength and conditioning, sports medicine, personnel and recruit- operations to responsibilities including budget control, team travel, player development, ing, video, equipment, player development, academics, compliance, office organization including staff and personnel coordination and the Gridiron Club. facilities and athletics administration. Grooms has managed Vanderbilt's future scheduling under Mason. During the last The relationship between Mason and Kirkendall dates back more three years, the Commodores have announced games or series with Notre Dame, Stan- than a decade when Mason served as an offensive assistant at ford, Kansas State, Purdue, Wake Forest, N.C. State, Hawaii and Colorado State. Agree- Ohio University. ments with several Football Championship Series (FCS) teams also have been finalized. Kirkendall, who has spent a decade in collegiate football opera- Grooms has been active with several football projects at Vanderbilt. He oversaw a tions, also is responsible for the Commodores’ team travel and complete remodel of the football facilities with the additions of all new graphics in every logistics, and coordination of game-day operations. area of the football complex, helped with the redesign of the John Rich Practice Complex Kirkendall comes to Vanderbilt from the University of Tennessee synthetic turf and weight room, developed the players' lounge and recruiting display where he served as Director of Football Operations during the 2017 room, and helped produce a stadium facelift consisting of graphics and bowl recogni- season. His duties in Knoxville ranged from organizing all areas of tions. He has also helped create a player development department, aided with a summer team travel to serving as a liaison between the football program internship program that now includes student-athletes from other Vanderbilt sports, and and various areas within the Tennessee Athletic Department and introduced several new technologies such as iPad playbooks, Catapult testing and the campus. He was promoted to the Tennessee Director of Football Teamworks communication network. Operations post one year after joining the Volunteer program in an Grooms has been an active member of the American Football Coaches Association associate director of operations role. (AFCA) since 2001. He serves on the College Football Playoff National Championship Ad- A native of Lucas, Ohio, Kirkendall earned invaluable experience visory Group and is the former President and current trustee of the AFCA National Com- mittee for Directors of Football Operations. In 2013, Grooms was named FootballScoop. during an eight-year stint as Director of Football Operations at com's Director of Football Operations of the Year for his contributions at Ohio. Eastern Michigan University. He was the point of contact between Grooms was promoted to Ohio's assistant athletic director for football operations the EMU football program and athletic administrators, compli- prior to the 2011 season after serving six years as director of operations. During his time ance, academic services, financial aid, student housing and dining, at Ohio University, Grooms oversaw six major facility renovations, established a fundrais- admissions, equipment, sports information, athletic training, condi- ing plan and designed the extensive locker room renovation. tioning, ticket office, facilities, purchasing, EMU President’s Office, During Grooms' tenure, Ohio played in six bowl games and three Mid-American Mid-American Conference officials and NFL scouts. Conference championship games under Frank Solich. He started his collegiate career in 2007, serving one year as Prior to joining Ohio, Grooms spent the 2004 season at Elon, serving as linebacker Director of Football Operations/Video Coordinator at Dartmouth coach/recruiting coordinator. Grooms spent the 2003 season as outside linebackers College. coach and video coordinator at East Tennessee State. Kirkendall is a graduate of Ohio University. He earned an Grooms began his career at Ohio as a student assistant from 1997-2001. After undergraduate degree in Sports Management in 2007. earning his degree, Grooms joined Ohio coach Jim Grobe at Wake Forest as a Kirkendall and his wife, the former Marissa Beltowski, were graduate assistant, working with WFU safeties in 2001 and linebackers in 2002. married in October 2017. Grooms gradu- ated from Ohio in 2001 with a bachelor degree in sports sciences. He earned his Masters in Recreation and Sports Sciences from Ohio in 2011. A native of Frankfort, Ohio, Grooms and his wife, Emily, are the parents of two sons, Jackson and Hayden, and a Grooms and his wife, Emily, with sons Jackson and Hayden, and daughter, Scarlett daughter Scarlett Josephine. Josephine.

46 @VANDYFOOTBALL FOOTBALL STAFF

Austen Dr. Christiana EVERSON RUSSELL Role: Director of Player Personnel Role: Director of Year on Staff: 3rd Player Development Alma Mater: Ohio, 2007 Year on Staff: 1st Alma Mater: Ohio State, 1995

Austen Everson, enters his third year on Derek Mason's Vanderbilt staff. Dr. Christiana (Christy) Russell enters her first year with the Everson serves as Director of Player Personnel, directing a staff that includes Vanderbilt football program, serving as Director of Player Director of Recruiting Eric Lammers, Director of Recruiting Relations Andrea Development. Cain, Assistant Recruiting Coordinator Corey Phillips and Assistant Recruiting Russell, who completed a doctorate in Human Development and Coordinator Haley Schaafsma. Family Science from Ohio State University joins the Commodore Everson brings collegiate and NFL experience to the Commodore position. football staff after serving three years as the Director of Vanderbilt Everson and the player personnel office oversee evaluation of current and University’s Office of Transition Programs. future prospects, organize unofficial and official recruiting visits, plan recruiting- As Director of Player Development, Russell will serve as a mentor related travel for position coaches, direct gameday recruiting events, to Commodore student-athletes, developing curriculum to achieve coordinate summer prospect camps, and act as staff liaison between other personal growth in their academic endeavors, community outreach, departments, high school coaching staffs and NFL personnel. compliance and career development. A native of Brentwood, Tenn., Everson spent one year as team operations Russell’s player development position has four goals – to create a coordinator for the NFL's Tennessee Titans. student-athlete valued experience, increase student-athlete com- From 2009-2015, Everson served at Nebraska under Head Coach Bo Pelini. He munity involvement, prepare student-athletes for life after college started with the Cornhuskers serving four years as director of high school relations encourage and continued involvement from alumni. before being promoted to assistant director of football operations. Russell comes to the position after a successful tenure in the Everson was a two-time team captain at Ohio University for Frank Solich. He Vanderbilt Office of Transition Programs. The on-campus initiative, earned four letters playing quarterback, starting 27 career games for the Bobcats. under the Dean of Students’ umbrella, focused on creating opportuni- As a senior in 2006, Everson guided Ohio to a 9-5 regular and postseason appear- ties to make the university more inclusive for transfer students and ance in the GMAC Bowl. That year, working under current Vanderbilt quarterback more equitable for first-generation students, which included several coach Gerry Gdowski, Everson threw for 1,356 yards and seven touchdowns. student-athletes. During his undergraduate career at Ohio, Everson was a two-time academic Russell started her employment at Vanderbilt University in the All-Mid-America Conference (MAC) selection, a National Football Foundation summer of 2013 when she was named Director of Student Health National Honor Society inductee and a Draddy Trophy semifinalist while also & Wellness, which was renamed the Office of Student Care & earning accolades in the weight room as the All-American Strength and Community Support. In that role for two years, Russell coordinated Conditioning Athlete of the Year. wellness programming and various levels of support to reduce health Everson completed multiple degrees from Ohio University. He earned a and behavior risks within the student population. bachelor degree in 2007 in management, and later completed Master's of Business Russell came to West End after serving three years as Outreach Administration in 2008 and Master's of Sports Administration in 2009. Coordinator for K-12 Initiatives & Community Engagement in the Everson was a prep standout at Brentwood H.S. just south of Nashville. As a Office of University Outreach & Community Engagement at Auburn senior, he was named All-Midstate Player of the Year by the Tennessean and was University. As outreach coordinator, Russell helped develop the a finalist for Tennessee's Mr. Football Award. university’s Outreach College Prep Initiative (CPI) which was aimed Everson is married to the former Leah Luther. at immersing students into the college campus and increasing resources for students entering Auburn from rural, low-income school systems. Eric She also served as a post-doctoral research fellow and grant writer at Auburn in 2008-09, and as a lecturer at Ohio State University Department of Human Development & Family Science from 2004-08. LAMMERS Russell earned a B.A. in psychology from Ohio State in 1995. She Role: Director of Recruiting also finished a B.S. in criminal justice from Georgia State University Year on Staff: 6th in 1998 before returning to Columbus to complete a Master of Social Alma Mater: Bowling Green State, 2009 Work at Ohio State in 2002. She was awarded a doctorate from Ohio State in 2006. Russell and her husband, Eric, are the parents of two daughters, Eric Lammers enters his third year as Vanderbilt's Director of Recruiting. Heaven, a sophomore at Vanderbilt, and Faith, a rising sixth grader. This marks Lammers' sixth year with the program. From 2012-14, he assisted in the team's player personnel office, then took off a year before returning to Mason's staff in his current role. Lammers’ responsibilities include organizing unofficial and official recruiting visits, directing gameday recruiting events, coordinating summer camps for high school prospects, and acting as a liaison with NFL personnel. Prior to joining the Vanderbilt program in 2012, Lammers coached varsity football and taught in the Urbana (Ohio) School District. A native of Ottawa, Ohio, Lammers earned a bachelor degree in business edu- cation from Bowling Green (Ohio) State in 2009. Lammers and his wife, the former Stacy Young, are the parents of a 1-year-old daughter, Ella.

VANDERBILT FOOTBALL 2018 47 FOOTBALL STAFF

Tom BOSSUNG Ed Role: Assistant. A.D./Sports Medicine; HIGGINS Head Athletic Trainer Role: Assistant A.D./Facilities & Year on Staff: 19th Game Operations Alma Mater: Indiana State, 1990 Year on Staff: 5th

Tom Bossung enters his 19th year as head athletic trainer for the team and Ed Higgins serves as Assistant Athletic Director of Facilities and director of the department's athletic training program. In 2014, he was promoted Game Operations. to Assistant Athletics Director/Sports Medicine. In his fifth year, Higgins is responsible for all grounds and facility Bossung enters his 23rd year assisting Vanderbilt athletes. He came to operations during gamedays on the Vanderbilt campus, and holds a campus as a graduate assistant in 1990, earning a master's degree in health variety of ongoing facility duties with the Commodore program. promotion and exercise science in 1992. Higgins came to Vanderbilt Athletics after a decade as Assistant After working a year at the Lipscomb Sports Therapy Center and serving two Director of Outreach & Promotions at Vanderbilt Medical Center. He also years as head athletic trainer at Tennessee State, he returned to Vanderbilt in served as tournament director of the 2006 Franklin American Mortgage 1995 to work with men's basketball. He moved to the football post in 1999. LPGA Tour event in nearby Franklin. Bossung, who received his bachelor's from Indiana State, is certified by the He has earned two business degrees from the University of Kentucky National Athletic Trainers Association, and licensed by the Tennessee Board of and a master's in sports administration from Ohio University. Medical Examiners. Bossung served as president of the SEC Sports Medicine Committee from 2006-08, and has served as an ATC medical staffer for the NFL since 2015. Tom and his wife, Dee Dee, have two children, Ryan and Sarah. Jordan ATHLETIC TRAINING/MEDICAL STAFF HUNT Role: Equipment Manager Year on Staff: 2nd

Jordan Hunt enters his second season with Derek Mason's program, serving as Head Equipment Manager. Hunt joined Vanderbilt after serving two years as equipment manager at Connecticut where he coordinated and oversaw all phases of the football team's equipment operations. Prior to joining UConn, Hunt served three years at South Dakota State University, including a two-year stint as equipment manager. Hunt is a 2011 graduate of the University of Alabama where he was WARNE FITCH, MD CHARLIE COX, MD a member of the football equipment staff there for four seasons and Head Team Physician Team Orthopaedic Surgeon the lead manager in his senior year. The Crimson Tide won two national championships during his time at the school.

Chas PETRONE Role: Director of Football Video Production ADAM CLEMENS MIYA SULLIVAN JUSTIN WENZEL Year on Staff: 2nd Assistant Athletic Trainer Assistant Athletic Trainer Assistant Athletic Trainer Chas Petrone enters his second season with Derek Mason's program, serving as Director of Football Video Production. He is responsible for organizing the team's video production staff, managing game and practice film, preparing video for uses by position coaches, and creating highlight videos and graphics for team use. Petrone came to the Commodores in 2017 after serving as football video coordinator at Florida Atlantic University during the 2016 season. Prior to joining the FAU staff, Petrone worked for two years at Middle Tennessee State University, serving as both a football graduate assistant and intern in the Blue Raider video department. KERRY WILBAR JORDAN PIERCE Petrone earned a bachelor's in physical education from Auburn Assistant Athletic Trainer Assistant Athletic Trainer University in 2013. He completed a master's in 2016 from MTSU. 48 @VANDYFOOTBALL FOOTBALL STAFF

CHARLOTTE SIEGEL ANDREA POOLE CAIN COREY PHILLIPS HALEY SCHAAFSMA COREY GUYMON Internal Operations Director of Recruiting Assistant Assistant Assistant Director, Coordinator/ Relations Recruiting Coordinator Recruiting Coordinator Player Development Assistant to Coach Mason

ERICA DUANE LARRY LEATHERS BRYNNE KELLY BEVERLY BROTHERS ELIZABETH WRIGHT Graphic Football Marketing and Administrative Assistant, Director of Designer Communications Promotions Football Staff Academic Support

EUGENE HENDERSON CANDICE JOHNSON SARA SANDERS LACEY BALLARD Assistant Director of Academic Academic Assistant Director, Academic Support Advisor Advisor Anchor Down Productions

WES WHALEY TYLER BRYANT MARCUS SESSON Assistant Director, Football Football Anchor Down Productions Equipment Equipment

VANDERBILT FOOTBALL 2018 49