[Tuck4Bama]

It's still preseason, but only in the most technical sense, for Vanderbilt.

The Commodores began preparation for their Sept. 1 season opener against visiting Richmond with a couple of practices Monday — a morning session in shells, and an evening workout in full gear.

Vanderbilt Coach Bobby Johnson said "every second" from this point will go toward getting ready for the Spiders.

"We're trying to get our scout teams worked out," Johnson said after the second practice. "This is the first time they're doing it, the first time they've run Richmond plays. It was a little ragged. They'll get better."
Though Johnson said final decisions haven't been made on who will — or won't — see action in the opener, he also said there's been some whittling down.

Commodores start opener preparation