Bigger, Faster, Stronger: Miles Capers is Ready to Bring Vanderbilt to the Playoffs
Miles Capers recorded a very strong season for Vanderbilt last year as the starting razor (defensive edge/OLB hybrid position). He recorded 46 tackles, 8 TFLs, 3 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 3 passes defended, and an interception en route to becoming one of Vanderbilt’s most versatile defenders. Even after that productive season, Capers knew there was another level to be found in his game.
When asked about what part of his game he worked on the most during the offseason Capers’ response was simple: “Everything.” While his performance over the first week of camp backs up that statement, there is one area which was clearly prioritized over all else.
Capers looks visibly bulkier and has clearly added muscle to what was already an imposing 6’4 frame. Per the listed weights on Vanderbilt’s roster, he added 14 pounds over the offseason, going from 235 to 249 pounds. “I just realized I needed to get bigger,” Capers told Vanderbilt media after practice on Sunday. “I felt like I left some plays on the table last year from not having that weight on me, so I decided to put it on.” That is all good weight according to Capers, who also stated that he feels like he is even quicker this year despite the mass he has added.
A lot of the credit for that physical development should rightfully go to Capers, but strength coach Robert Stiner’s fingerprints are all over the physical development of Vanderbilt’s players. “I felt like it was great,” Capers responded when asked about his 2nd offseason under Stiner. “We got more detailed with the work… I feel like it made everyone better,” he added.
His own development isn’t the only thing that has Capers excited about the upcoming season, however. “I feel like they came in ready to attack what we’ve got going on,” Capers stated about the many D-line transfers Vanderbilt took. “It’s like a connection we’ve got. We’re just on the road trying to get to the playoffs.”
Ultimately, it appears as if Capers embodies the old adage about everyone becoming “bigger, faster, and stronger” during the offseason. Vanderbilt will need strong and consistent seasons from him and other members of the D-line as they get tested by one of the most grueling schedules in all of college football. Fortunately for the ‘Dores, it looks like Miles Capers has done everything he can to face this challenge head-on and excel.
See the rest of TDR’s fall camp notes HERE on the Behind Closed Dores premium message board.
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