NFL Stars Return To Vanderbilt 7/1/02

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Much of Vanderbilt's active NFL players spent the weekend getting reacquainted and working with local inner city youngsters through the Nashville non-profit organization Backfield in Motion.

Football Head Coach Bobby Johnson and several active Commdores, including defensive backs Mike Martin and Rushen Jones, receivers Ryan Cuffee and Dan Stricker, linemen Matt Clay, Justin Geisinger and Jovan Haye, and running back Norval McKenzie, joined the NFL players for a lengthly clinic at a north Nashville park coordinated by Backfield in Motion.

Among the NFL players participating were linebackers Jamie Duncan (St. Louis Rams), Jamie Winborn (San Francisco 49ers) and Shelton Quarles (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), defensive backs Corey Chavous (Minnesota Vikings) and Corey Harris (Detroit Lions). Several others, including 2000 grad Jimmy Williams (now with the 49ers), 2001 graduates Antuian Bradford and Nate Morrow (both with the Tennessee Titans), Lew Thomas (San Diego Chargers) and Greg Zolman (Indianapolis Colts) also were among the participants.

"What a great weekend, especially the Saturday clinic," Coach Johnson said. "To have those former players on campus and giving back to the community like they did on Saturday was very impressive. I saw a great collection of young men this weekend."

The activities started Friday evening with an All-Star Reception hosted by Backfield in Motion and the football program. Fifteen active or former NFL players attended the function, including Herb Rich (Class of 1949) and Corey Harris (Class of 1991 ) who showed off their world championship rings.

Johnson, Chavous, and Backfield in Motion coordinator/former Commodore QB Hiram Lewis spoke at the reception.

On Saturday, the NFL players and current Commodores joined Coach Johnson for a four-hour clinic with nearly 85 kids who arrived from several neighborhoods in Nashville.