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Vanderbilt is currently ranked last in the SEC in recruiting.
It isn’t always the sexiest destination for highly rated football players. And the Commodores are competing against some of the top recruiting schools in the country.
While the Commodores 2016 prospects don’t look sexy on paper, there is some talent there. Four-star CB Joejuan Williams should contribute right away and three-star S Zaire Jones will also help the secondary. Vanderbilt also landed three-star QB Deuce Wallace.
Let’s take a look at some of Vanderbilt’s biggest needs.
Running back: Depending on how next season goes, there’s a chance Vanderbilt loses Ralph Webb to the NFL Draft. He has the chance for a breakout year in 2016 after finishing this season with 1,152 yards and five touchdowns. The Commodores don’t currently have any running backs signed for the 2016 class. It’s a glaring need.
Linebackers: Right now, Vanderbilt looks good at linebacker led by Zach Cunningham. But Vanderbilt only secured three-star OLB Jamauri Wakefield for 2016. This will be an area of concern for a defense that wants to stay relevant.
OUTLOOK
Vanderbilt ranks at the bottom of the SEC in recruiting. While we listed two key needs, the Commodores have needs all over the field. The most important recruiting tool for Derek Mason is winning. If the Commodores finish near the bottom of the SEC next year, it will be business as usual. But if they catch some people off guard and possibly make a bowl game, prospects will take notice.
Sean Labar is an SEC football contributor for Saturday Down South.
