Vanderbilt signees who could make most impact in 2016
Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason said he could see as many as half of his 20 signees play as true freshmen in 2016.
Some can fill a position of need. Some can add immediate depth. And a few might simply be an upgrade over returning players from last season’s 4-8 Commodores squad. Here are five new signees who could make an immediate impact for Vanderbilt in the 2016 season.
Joejuan Williams (CB): The four-star cornerback from Father Ryan is Vanderbilt’s highest-rated signee. He has very good size (6-foot-3, 195 pounds) and happens to play Mason’s favorite position. Williams sat out his senior year of high school after being ruled ineligible because he transferred to Hendersonville but did move far enough from Father Ryan’s zone. However, he enrolled at Vanderbilt in January and will participate in spring practice.
Zaire Jones (S): Like Williams, Jones enrolled early at Vanderbilt and will compete in spring practice. He is also among the team’s top signees and plays in the secondary, where depth is always needed. Jones plays a physical style, which means he could adapt quickly to the SEC game. Early on, that could mean special teams. But Jones may also find a role in Mason’s aggressive scheme, which values defensive backs who provide strong run support.
Vanderbilt football signees for 2016
Derek Mason's defensive eye shows in Vanderbilt signees
Sean Auwae (OL): The 6-4, 310-pounder is ranked the No. 5 center nationally in the 2016 class. That happens to be a vacant positon on Vanderbilt’s offensive line after the graduation of Spencer Pulley. It’s quite a leap for a true freshman to start at center, but it could happen. However, the more likely scenario is that the Auwae serves as a swing man in the rotation on the offensive line, where he can play center or guard — perhaps even tackle in a pinch.
Sam Loy (P): If all goes well, Loy will be the starting punter as a freshman. Mason said Loy was signed with that in mind, especially because it would allow Tommy Openshaw to concentrate only on placekicking. Last season, Openshaw was inconsistent on punts and sometimes took too long to get off the punt. Mason especially likes Loy he is a “two-step punter.” So what’s the difference between two-step and three-step punters? “Getting a punt blocked,” Mason said.
Donaven Tennyson (WR): Mason believes Tennyson could help immediately on special teams, especially as a dynamic returner. Of course, if he returns kicks or punts, it only makes sense to give Tennyson a role in the offense. The 5-10, 170-pounder could line up as a slot receiver or be a creative deep threat, albeit undersized. Offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig needs some options to spice up the offense, and the speedy Tennyson could be one, at least in small doses.
Reach Adam Sparks at 615-259-8010 and on Twitter @AdamSparks.
