Vanderbilt Weekend News

Vanderbilt looks strong and deep at the running back position. Veteran defensive lineman Thad McHaney has been forced to give up football due to medical concerns. These news topics and more are discussed inside.

Depth at Running Back Expected

By now everybody knows that Zac Stacy has the ability to bring a rushing attack all on his own, the good thing for the Commodores this fall is that he might not have to. Though the 215 pound Stacy is certainly expected to lead Vandy, and perhaps even lead the SEC, in rushing this fall, the black and gold have developed a stable of backs who all figure to contribute as the season progresses.

Perhaps the most notable addition to the Vanderbilt ground game in 2012 is an old face who is finally healthy. Warren Norman was the SEC Freshman of the Year in 2009, but injuries since then have limited his contribution to the team. After redshirting in 2011 due to a recurring knee problem Norman has been used regularly in the backfield rotation in the early practices and is looking good while knocking off the rust. In addition to Norman, last year’s back up Jerron Seymour and freshman Brian Kimbrow figure to be somewhere in the mix.

All in all it is the best group of running backs offensive coordinator John Donovan has ever had in Nashville.

DE Thad McHaney Ends Commodore Career

With all the good news and good feeling being passed around at the start of football season it is also important to note one sadder story.

Fourth year junior defensive end Thad McHaney has had to cut short his Commodore career for medical reasons. “Thad had a situation in the offseason where he was having some sensations and feelings, numbing and tingling in his hands, and they went and did some checking on him,” James Franklin reported. “Thad has a situation where it’s in his best interest not to play football anymore.”

Franklin is currently looking to find a role for McHaney within his staff for the 2012 season. Current options being looked at include a spot as an assistant defensive line coach or some kind of position in the weight room. The full scope of McHaney’s issues came to light a week ago and both player and team decided it was best for his future life for him to hang up the cleats.

McHaney played in 13 games as a reserve last season making seven tackles.