The linebacker position has always been an important one for the Vanderbilt football program and heading into this recruiting period, it would certainly be important to find the "right" type of linebacker that Vanderbilt needs.
Top in-state recruits such as Fred Harvey, Ferlando Bohanna and Jonathan Brown might have the look of definite BCS level prospects, but for Vandy, they don't exactly fit the mold of what Vandy needs.
In the Commodores 4-3 base defense, VU needs more linebackers with speed and quickness. More linebackers that can get to the edge and make plays on the perimeter. In short, VU's looking for overall athletes for the position.
For this, linebackers like Florida's Vinnie Mauro and Indiana's Joe Gilliam are considered 1 and 2 in terms of need. Both have the overall athleticism, the speed, the quickness, that Vanderbilt feels they must get this recruiting period.
Mauro and Gilliam both have Vanderbilt in their top group and they plan to visit Vanderbilt next week. The Commodores will try their best to impress both to join the fold. Mauro could fit as either a MIKE or WILL linebacker for the Dores, where as Gilliam looks like the prototypical WILL. Another prospect with an offer who could fit into the WILL mold is Michigan's Ishmael Thomas. So far, the Detroit resident hasn't visited VU, so it remains to be seen as to if he'll really fit into VU's recruitment come September.
Should VU not secure commits from some of these talents, there are others to watch. Milan (Tenn.)'s Avery Williamson had a strong showing at VU's first camp in June and has now picked up an offer from Kentucky. He may be the next in line for an offer. Local products Brad Bars and Fitz Lassing also appear to be possibilities, while the true darkhorse could be Birmingham (Ala.)'s Zeke Walters. The brother of current Mississippi State linebacker Bo Walters and former teammate of incoming freshman Walker May, Zeke impressed the VU coaches when he camped at the school during it's rising stars camp in June. Though known more for his exploits at receiver, the staff really seemed to like his 6-foot-3 frame and overall quickness he brings to the position.
Other guys who might be worth watching include Josh Harrison of Wayne High in Ohio, Cortez Brown of Memphis Trezevant, Andre Whitemire of Spartanburg (S.C.), Jordan Poole of Wilson Central in Lebanon, Lawrence Peterson of Memphis Melrose, Mitch Osborne of Southlake Carroll in Texas and DeVaghn Millington of Ridgefield, Conn. All appear to be on the radar and may move up as things progress.
Two other prospects to watch could be Virginia's Aramide Olaniyan and New Jersey's Cleo Robinson.
Olaniyan's long been on Vandy's radar but the staff has made a stance that it will not offer until he comes to campus. He may be in town at some time this month. The biggest news with the current Duke soft commitment is that he is not likely to add a Notre Dame offer to his portfolio.
Robinson has not officially been linked to VU before, but that could change as he appers to have the speed and quickness that would fit with VU's approach at WILL, so we may see his name surface soon.
Vanderbilt is likely to take only two linebackers this year, but if they get a hybrid end/linebacker like a Holmes Onwukaife or a Prince Shembo to visit and make a commitment, they may just take three.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The present might only be a footnote...
As Vanderbilt continues to pick up impressive verbal commitments, such as one on Wednesday from 6-foot-2 cornerback Karl Butler, a lot of excitement is brewing in Commodoreland. Players like Butler, like Kyle Woestmann, like Jonathan Krause, Nash Nance and Davis Dudchock, give creedence to those that felt like Vanderbilt was really starting to get better prospects into the program, especially after coming off the success that was the 2009 recruiting class.
However, Vanderbilt fans and the rest of the SEC might not be even able to comprehend what might very well happen next. Currently, the Commodores have 12 talented public commitments, but underneath it all, we at VandySports.com believes they could have as many as 18 prospects committed to the program at this time. While the identity of some of these prospects would seem to be just pure speculation at this time without the prospects own verbal confirmation, the prospects we suspect are definitely prospects that would ring high in Commodore fans ears and possibly even make them dance in the streets with excitement. Prospects at important positions, who have been targets for quite sometime, have not only given VU an extended "time of day" but some are seeing that Vanderbilt is building a winner at possibly the last, great, untapped program in all of Division 1-A football. Case in point, Vanderbilt plays in the best conference in the nation, graduates close to 100 percent of it's players, is putting more and more players into the pros and now, is competing on the football field with every other powerhouse in the league. Basically, Vanderbilt has the ingredients to be the next great, success story out of "nowhere". Vanderbilt has the chance to be the program to rise out of the abyss and capture something that very few programs truly can: be something new and exciting.
While pundits around the nation, jot down their preseason predictions, with a large dose of history noticeably behind most of their picks, they will use the same old line as "Vanderbilt just can't get the horses to win a championship in the SEC". But, in the underground, beneath it all, on the level that is rarely seen by outsiders to the recruiting world, a lot of highly talented prospects are starting to believe that if they went to Vanderbilt, the program would have the horses to compete for a championship. VandySports.com knows that three Top 50 players are definitely giving Vanderbilt more than just "the time of day" right now and all three may pull a "shocker" to the nation and decide to don the Black and Gold in 2010. Also, some of the top rising juniors around the nation, have started to turn a serious eye to the Commodores due to the buzz that the program has started to make with some of the big time prospects from the current class.
While Vanderbilt is still going to have to deal with its past history in the public from time to time, and even some long suffering Commodore fans wouldn't even be able to fathom the possibility of a Top 50 or better kid signing with Vanderbilt, the fact is that with each passing day, Vanderbilt recruiting is getting that much stronger. Just like last year, when February comes around, the VU coaching staff might just have to shove away some impact level prospects that simply missed the cut line for committing. Turning away the very type of kids that the program would've begged for just over 5 years ago.
Years ago, a motto was said at Vanderbilt, "Have fun, expect to win". Now, the motto that many fans and media alike don't hear is "We're building for a championship". The recruits are hearing this message every day and some are starting to take strong notice to it.
In the next few months, there might truly be a new dawn in Vanderbilt football, both on the football field as well as in the future. The 2009 Commodores expect to not only get back to a bowl game this year but get to an even better bowl than the one they played in the year before. And, if things continue to build underneath the surface, soon, we could see some mega surprises in store for the 2010 class.
Regardless of how things ultimately turnout, the message appears to be coming loud and clear: "This is a new Vanderbilt and we are not here to lose anymore. We are also not to just here for bowl games, we are here for a championship."
However, Vanderbilt fans and the rest of the SEC might not be even able to comprehend what might very well happen next. Currently, the Commodores have 12 talented public commitments, but underneath it all, we at VandySports.com believes they could have as many as 18 prospects committed to the program at this time. While the identity of some of these prospects would seem to be just pure speculation at this time without the prospects own verbal confirmation, the prospects we suspect are definitely prospects that would ring high in Commodore fans ears and possibly even make them dance in the streets with excitement. Prospects at important positions, who have been targets for quite sometime, have not only given VU an extended "time of day" but some are seeing that Vanderbilt is building a winner at possibly the last, great, untapped program in all of Division 1-A football. Case in point, Vanderbilt plays in the best conference in the nation, graduates close to 100 percent of it's players, is putting more and more players into the pros and now, is competing on the football field with every other powerhouse in the league. Basically, Vanderbilt has the ingredients to be the next great, success story out of "nowhere". Vanderbilt has the chance to be the program to rise out of the abyss and capture something that very few programs truly can: be something new and exciting.
While pundits around the nation, jot down their preseason predictions, with a large dose of history noticeably behind most of their picks, they will use the same old line as "Vanderbilt just can't get the horses to win a championship in the SEC". But, in the underground, beneath it all, on the level that is rarely seen by outsiders to the recruiting world, a lot of highly talented prospects are starting to believe that if they went to Vanderbilt, the program would have the horses to compete for a championship. VandySports.com knows that three Top 50 players are definitely giving Vanderbilt more than just "the time of day" right now and all three may pull a "shocker" to the nation and decide to don the Black and Gold in 2010. Also, some of the top rising juniors around the nation, have started to turn a serious eye to the Commodores due to the buzz that the program has started to make with some of the big time prospects from the current class.
While Vanderbilt is still going to have to deal with its past history in the public from time to time, and even some long suffering Commodore fans wouldn't even be able to fathom the possibility of a Top 50 or better kid signing with Vanderbilt, the fact is that with each passing day, Vanderbilt recruiting is getting that much stronger. Just like last year, when February comes around, the VU coaching staff might just have to shove away some impact level prospects that simply missed the cut line for committing. Turning away the very type of kids that the program would've begged for just over 5 years ago.
Years ago, a motto was said at Vanderbilt, "Have fun, expect to win". Now, the motto that many fans and media alike don't hear is "We're building for a championship". The recruits are hearing this message every day and some are starting to take strong notice to it.
In the next few months, there might truly be a new dawn in Vanderbilt football, both on the football field as well as in the future. The 2009 Commodores expect to not only get back to a bowl game this year but get to an even better bowl than the one they played in the year before. And, if things continue to build underneath the surface, soon, we could see some mega surprises in store for the 2010 class.
Regardless of how things ultimately turnout, the message appears to be coming loud and clear: "This is a new Vanderbilt and we are not here to lose anymore. We are also not to just here for bowl games, we are here for a championship."
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Back from hiatus, what have we missed?
Well, what a difference two weeks makes. As I stated on our last entry, there was going to be a lot of action in Vanderbilt recruiting and needless to say, Vanderbilt's "Cookout with the Dores" did not disappoint. Though we still haven't learned of every visitor during the day, we do know that seven commitments basically came from the event as well as possibly a few others. Also, prospects such as Bradley Roby, Karl Butler, Andre Simmons, Tony Jones and others seem to be very close to making a decision in favor of the Commodores.
Roby has seemed to all but commit, with only a Ohio State visit pending. Butler was about the same, leaning towards the Dores and waiting to visit Virginia before making a decision. Both have had their visits, so we should know more soon. Also, Simmons visited Rutgers this week and said he may have more of a idea of his top schools upon that trip. Jones has basically cut his list down to 7 schools and Vanderbilt appears to be firmly on it.
While the BBQ may be the only of its kind this summer, the week leading up to Vanderbilt's final Senior Elite camp on July 19th could also be important too. A number of recruits are expected to make an unofficial trip to the school, including top linebacker prospects like Joe Gilliam, Ishmael Lewis and hopefully Zachery Allen. These visits will not likely take place on the same day as like the BBQ did, but VU does plan to have some special things planned for the visitors.
The camp that weekend is also shaping up to be quite a good one, as several prospects who are close to securing offers, have stated they plan to workout for the VU coaches.
Vanderbilt could have the majority of the 2010 class secured before they even take the field on September 5th.
Roby has seemed to all but commit, with only a Ohio State visit pending. Butler was about the same, leaning towards the Dores and waiting to visit Virginia before making a decision. Both have had their visits, so we should know more soon. Also, Simmons visited Rutgers this week and said he may have more of a idea of his top schools upon that trip. Jones has basically cut his list down to 7 schools and Vanderbilt appears to be firmly on it.
While the BBQ may be the only of its kind this summer, the week leading up to Vanderbilt's final Senior Elite camp on July 19th could also be important too. A number of recruits are expected to make an unofficial trip to the school, including top linebacker prospects like Joe Gilliam, Ishmael Lewis and hopefully Zachery Allen. These visits will not likely take place on the same day as like the BBQ did, but VU does plan to have some special things planned for the visitors.
The camp that weekend is also shaping up to be quite a good one, as several prospects who are close to securing offers, have stated they plan to workout for the VU coaches.
Vanderbilt could have the majority of the 2010 class secured before they even take the field on September 5th.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Nance and White may only be the beginning
Just as Vanderbilt fans were starting to itch for more commitments in the 2010 football recruiting class, quarterback Nash Nance and Chase White emerged as the newest Dores this week. Nance, who VU targeted starting last summer, was only the third QB to receive an offer when he got a scholarship from the Dores during the Junior Day on March 21st. White, who actually committed last weekend, chose VU a few months after receiving a spring evaluation offer. White might not be a known entity right now to Rivals.com, but we heard from a Texas A&M connection that A&M had White next in line to get an offer, so VU may have just got this rising prospect at exact time.
Now, as Vanderbilt heads into its second and third week of camps, there seems to be a good chance that they'll secure more commitments. Marietta (Ga.) native Kyle Woestmann is still very much a possibility to VU, despite the hoopla of his recent UGA offer. He plans to be in Nashville next week and there could be a chance that he pulls the trigger. Also expected to be in Nashville on that day will be Norcross (Ga.) offensive tackle Max Garcia. Though Garcia hasn't put a time table on his decision, it wouldn't be surprising at all to see him commit soon. Suwanee (Ga.) receiver Bradley Roby and Snellville's Jonathan Krause will also be by VU to visit and both could ultimately decide to pull the trigger and commit should they not get offers from Georgia at this weekend's camp in Athens. Roby would really like to play receiver and would like to get on the field soon. Though his offer from Auburn intrigues him and he also wants to visit South Carolina, it just wouldn't be surprising if Roby made a decision in the next week or two if he doesn't get a UGA offer. If he gets a UGA offer, he may extend things into the late July or August. Same thing likely goes for Krause, especially since Alabama doesn't appear to be offering at this time.
There are others who wouldn't be a surprise if they committed, including Davis Dudchock of Birmingham, Parker Mack of Little Rock, and Karl Butler of New Orleans. All of these prospects could be partial to making a decision if they visit VU and the staff and players make a good impression. Also possible could be Nolen Smith, who is leaning towards making a decision in the next month anyways. Another to watch is Vince Taylor of Hattiesburg (Ms.) who may be keeping his true recruitment status a little under the radar.
Now, as Vanderbilt heads into its second and third week of camps, there seems to be a good chance that they'll secure more commitments. Marietta (Ga.) native Kyle Woestmann is still very much a possibility to VU, despite the hoopla of his recent UGA offer. He plans to be in Nashville next week and there could be a chance that he pulls the trigger. Also expected to be in Nashville on that day will be Norcross (Ga.) offensive tackle Max Garcia. Though Garcia hasn't put a time table on his decision, it wouldn't be surprising at all to see him commit soon. Suwanee (Ga.) receiver Bradley Roby and Snellville's Jonathan Krause will also be by VU to visit and both could ultimately decide to pull the trigger and commit should they not get offers from Georgia at this weekend's camp in Athens. Roby would really like to play receiver and would like to get on the field soon. Though his offer from Auburn intrigues him and he also wants to visit South Carolina, it just wouldn't be surprising if Roby made a decision in the next week or two if he doesn't get a UGA offer. If he gets a UGA offer, he may extend things into the late July or August. Same thing likely goes for Krause, especially since Alabama doesn't appear to be offering at this time.
There are others who wouldn't be a surprise if they committed, including Davis Dudchock of Birmingham, Parker Mack of Little Rock, and Karl Butler of New Orleans. All of these prospects could be partial to making a decision if they visit VU and the staff and players make a good impression. Also possible could be Nolen Smith, who is leaning towards making a decision in the next month anyways. Another to watch is Vince Taylor of Hattiesburg (Ms.) who may be keeping his true recruitment status a little under the radar.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
More on Sunday's campers
Every year, there will be some surprises during the camp period. On Monday, we released a "Hot 11" of some of the top performers and at closer look, a couple of surprises look like they have a shot to at least secure other Division 1-A interest if not increased Vanderbilt interest.
One prospect that could've increased his Vanderbilt interest is Madisonville, Kentucky cornerback J.C. Wade. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound defensive back prospect was impressive in one-on-ones and ran well for most of the day. He already has offers from the likes of Ball State and Ohio U and is getting strong attention from Louisville, Kentucky and Western Kentucky. .On film, you see a strong press corner, which is something that he impressed in at Vanderbilt on Sunday. He also shows some good ball skill. He is a prospect that we are looking to learn more about.
Another prospect who performed well and even received Hot 11 honors from us at VandySports.com was Dylan Cook of Hiram (Ga.). As stated in the feature, he was just an impressive pass catcher, making juggling catches, catches over defenders and diving catches. We don't know much about Cook's overall recruitment, and he may not have run well enough to get a VU offer. Still, he looks like a player that should sign with a Division 1-A team this February. Might be a player that eventually signs with a MTSU.
A quarterback that impressed but might not have the measurables for Vanderbilt is Jupiter (Fla.)'s Marshyl Rothman. The strong thrower led JC to a state title last year and is a Division 1-A prospect despite being just around 5-foot-10. He might be a perfect fit for South Florida, if they are looking for a quarterback. If not, he could make someone like Wofford very happy in the Southern Conference.
And another quarterback that we mentioned that had a good Sunday was Airport (SC)'s WT Murden. He seemed to measure a little shorter than he's listed but you definitely see a three-star, impact level talent out there. He's someone to watch with Vanderbilt if their quarterback recruiting continues.
One prospect that could've increased his Vanderbilt interest is Madisonville, Kentucky cornerback J.C. Wade. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound defensive back prospect was impressive in one-on-ones and ran well for most of the day. He already has offers from the likes of Ball State and Ohio U and is getting strong attention from Louisville, Kentucky and Western Kentucky. .On film, you see a strong press corner, which is something that he impressed in at Vanderbilt on Sunday. He also shows some good ball skill. He is a prospect that we are looking to learn more about.
Another prospect who performed well and even received Hot 11 honors from us at VandySports.com was Dylan Cook of Hiram (Ga.). As stated in the feature, he was just an impressive pass catcher, making juggling catches, catches over defenders and diving catches. We don't know much about Cook's overall recruitment, and he may not have run well enough to get a VU offer. Still, he looks like a player that should sign with a Division 1-A team this February. Might be a player that eventually signs with a MTSU.
A quarterback that impressed but might not have the measurables for Vanderbilt is Jupiter (Fla.)'s Marshyl Rothman. The strong thrower led JC to a state title last year and is a Division 1-A prospect despite being just around 5-foot-10. He might be a perfect fit for South Florida, if they are looking for a quarterback. If not, he could make someone like Wofford very happy in the Southern Conference.
And another quarterback that we mentioned that had a good Sunday was Airport (SC)'s WT Murden. He seemed to measure a little shorter than he's listed but you definitely see a three-star, impact level talent out there. He's someone to watch with Vanderbilt if their quarterback recruiting continues.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
VU wants Collinsworth
One prospect who has had a Vanderbilt offer for a while is versatile receiver/safety prospect Austin Collinsworth. The three-star 6-foot, 190-pound talent has the Commodores hot on his trail and its easy to see why. Last season, Collinsworth caught 46 passes for 860 yards and five scores while also rushing for 166 yards and a score on 18 plays. On defense, Collinsworth picked off four passes and on special teams, he returned five kicks and punts for scores.
Collinsworth, who is the son of former Cincinnati Bengal receiver and current HBO Sports Cris Collinsworth, has got plenty of options with Vandy, Kentucky, Louisville, Cincinnati and Stanford offering. He's believed to not have any favorites at this time aside from the five that have offered and VU's hoping that he visits the school later this month for the program's big day on June 18th.
Here's some highlights of Collinsworth in action..from his sophomore year.
Collinsworth No.22
Collinsworth, who is the son of former Cincinnati Bengal receiver and current HBO Sports Cris Collinsworth, has got plenty of options with Vandy, Kentucky, Louisville, Cincinnati and Stanford offering. He's believed to not have any favorites at this time aside from the five that have offered and VU's hoping that he visits the school later this month for the program's big day on June 18th.
Here's some highlights of Collinsworth in action..from his sophomore year.
Collinsworth No.22
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Sandy Creek has another talented player
As usual, the state of Georgia is full of talent in 2010. The Peach state is expected to once again finish in the Top 5 among states with both D1-A and BCS (major conference) signees next February. Some are very popular and some are still just coming to light.
One player that's just starting to surface as we enter the summer months is Sandy Creek receiver Devon Hughes. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound talent has been overshadowed so far this recruiting period with the likes of three-star running back Rajion Neal, safety Isaiah Johnson and defensive end Lacy Coleman, but this Tyrone (Ga.) native runs a 4.5 and has been receiving attention from several programs including Vanderbilt, Michigan State, Mississippi State, Georgia Tech, Ohio State and others.
The Vanderbilt staff is hoping that Hughes can acquire a 19 or better on his ACT next month so that they can offer the emerging prospect. Other schools like Miss. State and Michigan State seem close as well.
He's a good size target with good feet and balance, but take a look for yourself.
One player that's just starting to surface as we enter the summer months is Sandy Creek receiver Devon Hughes. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound talent has been overshadowed so far this recruiting period with the likes of three-star running back Rajion Neal, safety Isaiah Johnson and defensive end Lacy Coleman, but this Tyrone (Ga.) native runs a 4.5 and has been receiving attention from several programs including Vanderbilt, Michigan State, Mississippi State, Georgia Tech, Ohio State and others.
The Vanderbilt staff is hoping that Hughes can acquire a 19 or better on his ACT next month so that they can offer the emerging prospect. Other schools like Miss. State and Michigan State seem close as well.
He's a good size target with good feet and balance, but take a look for yourself.
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