Vanderbilt signees at a glance
Here's a look at players who have officially signed to play for the
CALEB PEART
Basics: 6-0, 240, DE
School: Hamilton High (Chandler, Ariz.)
Key stat: N/A.
Also considered: Arizona, Arizona State.
Impact: He could be an experimental defender for Vanderbilt. His frame looks like an inside linebacker, but his skill set may be more attuned to playing on the perimeter as a pass rusher. He must gain weight to play up front, but his ultimate destination could be outside linebacker in Derek Mason's 3-4 defense. Vanderbilt wants to bring more pressure from its front seven, and Peart fits that well. But from what position he will be utilized is not certain.
Quote of note: "As far as body type and as a pass rusher, he kind of reminds me of a Dwight Freeney type because he's not that big." – Chris Smith (247 Sports)
Twitter: @HighlyFavored_9
Photos of Vandy prospects: http://tnne.ws/1IwemeY
JAIRE GEORGE
Basics: 6-2, 226, RB
School: DeMatha Catholic High (Hyattsville, Md.)
Key stat: N/A
Also considered: N/A
Impact: Son of Tennessee Titans great Eddie George, Jaire will likely begin his Vanderbilt career at running back, but there will always be the option of moving to linebacker later. George is a hard-running tailback, who didn't play the position as a senior because of a broken thumb. He will be an intriguing project early on at a position where the Commodores return talent but little depth. The major term attached to him is upside. His size and strength have come on later in his high school career. He could be a short-yardage back early on, but should fit in well on campus from day one. Nashville was Jaire's "second home" growing up, and he is a high-academic student.
Quote of note: "Underrated talent with size and football heritage. He is really just scratching the surface of his talent after having to sit behind a lot of talented players at DeMatha Catholic." – Chris Smith (247 Sports)
Twitter: @JGeorge27
More on Jaire George: http://tnne.ws/1z2Ik9o
KYLE ANDERTON
Basics: 6-4, 260, TE
School: Station Camp High (Gallatin)
Key stat: 1,282 passing yds, 561 rushing yds, 21 total TDs in 2014.
Also considered: Memphis.
Impact: A quarterback at Station Camp, Anderton made a surprisingly smooth transition to tight end during summer recruiting camps. With a big frame and nimble feet, some colleges even saw him as a possible offensive tackle. Don't let the quarterback tag surprise you. Anderton is a tough, physical player who might be a better blocking tight end initially, but he also has good hands. He will fit nicely in Vanderbilt's multiple tight end sets.
Quote of note: "I attended every single prospect camp this past summer, and he was easily the best tight end by appearance." – Chris Smith (247 Sports)
Twitter: N/A
More on Kyle Anderton: http://tnne.ws/1nLnTdz
DARION DEBROSSARD
Basics: 6-5, 320, OL
School: Shiloh High (Snellville, Ga.)
Key stat: N/A.
Also considered: Louisville.
Impact: Vanderbilt can breathe a sigh of relief, as Louisville made a late push to steal DeBrossard, but he stuck with his original commitment. He has played football for only a couple of years, so his technique in pass protection needs some time and attention. But DeBrossard is a big, powerful people-mover who should be an asset to Vanderbilt's ground game. He arrives with the possibility of playing different spots on the line, but guard seems to be a most likely destination.
Quote of note: "He is a chiseled, muscle-bound guy. He just needs to learn some details of good technique, which is why a redshirt would probably be good for him. " – Chris Smith (247 Sports)
Twitter: @thatkid_darion
Photos of Vandy prospects: http://tnne.ws/1IwemeY
DONOVAN SHEFFIELD
Basics: 5-11, 170, CB
School: Ensworth (Nashville)
Key stat: 32 ½ tackles, 6 interceptions.
Also considered: Northwestern, Ole Miss.
Impact: A four-star prospect and son of former Vanderbilt player Robert Sheffield, he has committed to the Commodores twice, once to coach James Franklin and again to Derek Mason. Among the best in the class, Sheffield could be a strong cover corner, but the only question is when he'll play. Vanderbilt's secondary was young last season but still unproven. Sheffield could redshirt and wait his turn, but don't be surprised if he's seen as one of the possible solutions to a secondary still searching for dependable players.
Quote of note: "Sheffield is a highly intelligent kid with great football instincts. He's been around SEC football because of his dad, so he is a good fit there." – Chris Smith (247 Sports)
Twitter: N/A
More on Donovan Sheffield: http://tnne.ws/1dKr8I0
JUSTIN SKULE
Basics: 6-6, 280, OT
School: Centreville High (Clifton, Va.)
Key stat: N/A.
Also considered: Virginia, West Virginia.
Impact: Most offensive linemen are redshirt candidates, and Skule certainly fits that mold. He has great size, but his technique, footwork and quickness will be works in progress. He projects at either tackle spot, but fall camp will reveal more about where exactly he fits best. Offensive line coach Keven Lightner should enjoy honing Skule's skills, especially since he already has great size and potential.
Quote of note: "He is big and he's long. He's 6-6 and has really long arms, which is why left tackle might be where he ends up." – Chris Smith (247 Sports)
Twitter: @JSkule_58
More on Justin Skule: http://tnne.ws/1660AD9
JORDAN GRIFFIN
Basics: 6-1, 215, ILB
School: Armwood High (Tampa, Fla.)
Key stat: 428 tackles, second-most in program history
Also considered: Wisconsin, Nebraska, Duke
Impact: Three-star prospect further adds to Vanderbilt's linebacking corps. He has the speed of a safety, but will have to bulk up in the strength and conditioning program to play near the pit in the SEC. Perhaps Griffin's best attribute is his nose for the ball, which should fit well with head coach Derek Mason's hunger to create turnovers. Griffin is also accustomed to winning, hailing from one of the nation's high school football factories in Armwood.
More on Jordan Griffin: http://bit.ly/1EG9JkU
JOSH CRAWFORD
Basics: 5-11, 214, RB
School: Edgewood Academy (Elmore, Ala.)
Key stat: 2,873 yds, 54 TDs last 2 seasons.
Also considered: Auburn, Cincinnati, UAB, Georgia, Kentucky.
Impact: His resume is strong. The Mr. Football Back of the Year led his high school to a fifth straight state title. He is a productive hard runner but may lack breakaway speed at the SEC level. After dismissing RBs Brian Kimbrow and Jerron Seymour last season, Vanderbilt needs depth in the backfield. Starter Ralph Webb and power back Dallas Rivers return as sophomores, but new offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig will want a plethora of backs in order to mimic his running success at Wisconsin.
Quote of note: "I think you can expect production out of him, a back that can carry it 20 to 25 times in a game." – Chris Smith (247 Sports)
Twitter: @Deuces22__
Photos of Vandy prospects: http://tnne.ws/1IwemeY
DARE ODEYINGBO
Basics: 6-1, 243, FB/LB
School: Cistercian Preparatory (Irving, Texas)
Key stat: 1,765 rushing yards, 21 total TDs in 2014.
Also considered: Air Force, Iowa, Missouri.
Impact: An intriguing pickup because he could play either side of the football. Odeyingbo's athleticism as a high school running back says he should be able to handle playing in space as a linebacker. But his more natural transition might be in the offensive backfield. New offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig could utilize him as a fullback/H-back, especially if the Commodores retool their ground attack, or coach Derek Mason could put him in a crowded linebacking corps on defense.
Quote of note: "If they put him on offense, that tells you that coach Ludwig and coach Mason want to get bigger on offense." – Chris Smith (247 Sports)
Twitter: @odangbro
More on Dare Odeyingbo: http://tnne.ws/1zpftuR
JAY HOCKADAY
Basics: 6-3, 215, LB/RB/ATH
School: Christ Presbyterian Academy (Nashville)
Key stat: 1,648 rushing yards, 38 TDs, 190 tackles in 2 years
Also considered: Colorado
Impact: Colorado de-commitment got a late offer from Vanderbilt, where he said he always wanted to play. It's a good late pick-up for the Commodores, who get a versatile athlete in Hockaday, son of former Brentwood Academy star/Georgia wide receiver Jimmy Hockaday. He could play running back, but his likely destination will be outside linebacker. He has good speed and should thrive in the offseason weight program. Look for Hockaday to be a possible redshirt candidate behind a good returning corps of linebackers.
Quote of note: "Jay is smart, athletic with range and seems to just be coming into his own as a football player. Another late steal for the Commodores." – Chris Smith (247 Sports)
Twitter: @JayHockaday1
More on Jay Hockaday: http://tnne.ws/1K85Mpo
JOSH SMITH
Basics: 6-3, 228, LB
School: Oakland High (Murfreesboro)
Key stat: 128 tackles (25 for loss), 9 sacks.
Also considered: Oregon, Oklahoma.
Impact: Rated second-highest inside linebacker in nation by 247 Sports, Smith is perhaps the gem of Vanderbilt's class. Good enough to play immediately, but he is at Vanderbilt's strongest defensive position with inside linebackers Nigel Bowden and Zach Cunningham returning. That depth inside could move Smith to outside linebacker if he plays as a true freshman, but either way Derek Mason will try to get him on the field somewhere in 2015.
Quote of note: "Getting his signature is huge for Vandy. That could be a young, very forceful linebacking crew in the future." – Chris Smith (247 Sports)
Twitter: @J_Smitty31
More on Josh Smith: http://tnne.ws/1rPzXLr
EAN PFEIFER
Basics: 6-5, 285, OT
School: Bentonville (Ark.) High
Key stat: N/A.
Also considered: Arkansas State, Memphis.
Impact: A strong, grunt-work lineman that should fit in well as Vanderbilt tries to bulk up its ground game. Pfeifer could be a swing player up front, staying at his familiar tackle position or perhaps moving to the interior line. The latter would be a good bet because of his strength in run blocking and deficiency in pass protection. Pfeifer has the makings of a leadership role on the line.
Quote of note: "He could play right tackle. He could play guard. He could move to center. He is very versatile." – Chris Smith (247 Sports)
Twitter: @Ean_Pfeifer56
More on Ean Pfeifer: http://tnne.ws/1kPeB8w
JARED PINKNEY
Basics: 6-5, 224, WR
School: Norcross (Ga.) High
Key stat: 51 rec., 745 yds, 5 TDs.
Also considered: Missouri, Florida.
Impact: Some of Vanderbilt's undersized receivers struggled to break free from press coverage last season. Pinkney does not have the speed to blow past a cornerback, but his size and physicality could be useful. Pinkney is also a better route-runner than most high school wideouts, another reason that he could see the field sooner than later.
Quote of note: "He is probably one of the most important recruits in this class, and I really believe he has a big-time opportunity to play this year." – Chris Smith (247 Sports)
Twitter: @jbpinkney
Photos of Vandy prospects: http://tnne.ws/1IwemeY
ANDREW RECTOR
Basics: 6-1, 190, S
School: Father Ryan (Nashville)
Key stat: 40 tackles, 1 interception, 8 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles.
Also considered: Wake Forest.
Impact: A self-professed "film junkie," Rector comes from a family of coaches (his uncle, Brian Rector, is the coach at Centennial High). He is an exceptional tackler in the run game, but he showed off good coverage skills in summer camps against top receiver prospects. Vanderbilt has young defensive backs, so Rector might take a redshirt.
Quote of note: "He will be one of those captain-type guys on this team. He's just a heady guy that loves Vanderbilt." – Chris Smith (247 Sports)
Twitter: @Andrew_rector4
More on Andrew Rector: http://tnne.ws/1vOvUiw
KYLE SHURMUR
Basics: 6-4, 215, QB
School: La Salle College High School (Glenside, Pa.)
Key stat: 2,523 passing yards, 28 TDs
Also considered: Penn State, Duke, Illinois.
Impact: A big-bodied, strong-armed, four-star prospect that should fit well into Vanderbilt's offense. His father, Pat Shurmur, is the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, so his understanding of the playbook shouldn't be a problem. Vanderbilt had the biggest quarterback carousel in college football last season, starting four signal-callers. It is unlikely Shurmur would jump into that fray, but he is definitely one of the strongest signees of this class.
Quote of note: "Learning from an NFL offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach with his dad, he has a great grasp of what to do on the field when the ball is in his hands" – Chris Smith (247 Sports)
Twitter: @shurms14
Photos of Vandy prospects: http://tnne.ws/1IwemeY
JARED SOUTHERS
Basics: 6-5, 285, OT
School: Seton Hall Preparatory (West Orange, N.J.)
Key stat: N/A.
Also considered: Yale.
Impact: Perhaps the most athletic offensive lineman of the class, Southers is the most likely to play left tackle once he develops his body. He has raw quickness, but his strength must improve. Like most linemen, a redshirt year and an offseason in the weight room should do wonders for Southers. He needs plenty of time to become an SEC tackle. Southers may be the least ready to play of the linemen, but he may also have the highest ceiling in terms of potential.
Quote of note: "He has sensational quick feet. He can move from point A to point B quicker than any linemen Vandy has in this class." – Chris Smith (247 Sports)
Twitter: N/A
Photos of Vandy prospects: http://tnne.ws/1IwemeY
SAM DOBBS
Basics: 6-5, 220, TE
School: Landmark Christian School (Fairburn, Ga.)
Key stat: 4 TDs before 2014 injury.
Also considered: Air Force.
Impact: Vanderbilt utilized multiple tight ends last season, and that should continue under new offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig. Dobbs is a quality pass-catcher with good hands and height. He tore his hamstring during his senior season, but it shouldn't be a concern at Vanderbilt. He will have plenty of time to work into the offense slowly and develop his blocking skills. The Commodores are well-stocked with tight ends, so Dobbs could easily redshirt.
Quote of note: "Dobbs loves football and country music, and he's a musician. So you could say he's a perfect fit for Nashville and Vanderbilt." – Chris Smith (247 Sports)
Twitter: @SamDobbs81
Photos of Vandy prospects: http://tnne.ws/1IwemeY
NEHEMIAH MITCHELL
Basics: 6-5, 260, OLB
School: City College of San Francisco (San Francisco)
Key stat: N/A.
Also considered: Georgia State, UT-San Antonio.
Impact: The only mid-term signee of the class, Mitchell was a late bloomer who went to junior college to strengthen his recruiting status. He has speed on the edge and obvious size. Previously listed as a defensive end, Mitchell will have to adapt to playing in space as an outside linebacker for Vanderbilt. He will get plenty of reps in spring practice later in February, and coaches hope he has a place in the rotation this season.
Quote of note: "Bringing Mitchell in to play outside linebacker tells you that Coach Mason wants to be bigger and longer on defense." – Chris Smith (247 Sports)
Twitter: N/A
Photos of Vandy prospects: http://tnne.ws/1IwemeY
