FPRC's 2014 Vanderbilt Commodores Football Preview

The Football Power Rankings Committee presents to tRant:

2014 Vanderbilt Commodores Football Preview


2013 Recap 9-4(4-4)

The 2013 season was another full of firsts and excitement for Vanderbilt. Winning the Compass Bowl over Houston sealed their 2nd straight 9-4 record and gives them 24 wins over the past three seasons. The Commodores' overall record of 16-4 in the past 20 games is second only to Alabama's in the SEC. Jordan Matthews rolled his way to the SEC’s all-time leader in both receptions and receiving yards. Vandy also beat Georgia, Florida & Tennessee in the same season for the first time ever. For Vandy Nation it was a season that we have seen far too few times in our history.

2014 Offense Preview
(* denotes starter)



I have no idea really. We are the only SEC school with a new head coach and he comes from over there in the West so I haven’t gotten to see much. I expect OC Karl Dorrell to run a west coast style offense like Stanford did. With many new starters, I’m not sure how well they will do in certain schemes. One thing for sure is y’all don’t know what the hell to expect. New coaches, new QB, new receivers. The one constant and definite strength of the team is the offensive line, even with the loss of Wesley Johnson.

QB – *Patton Robinette, Stephen Rivers, Johnny McCrary

Let’s start with the question marks, shall we? Our one time 6-man QB competition is now down to three. The safest bet to start week 1 is Patton Robinette, the guy with the most Vanderbilt name ever and whom Tebowed his way into history against UTK last year. He is the only guy on the team with real time experience. The guy I expect to really push him is Rivers. Remember Philip Rivers, the goofy-looking QB of the Chargers? It’s his bro. Think taller, lankier and thus goofier-looking. He fits Mason’s style so I’m sure they will give him every shot to win. McCrary is the most talented QB they have, but he is slightly behind the others grasping the offense.

FB - *Kellen Williams

A former walk-on linebacker, Williams has earned a scholarship and will be the only scholarship player a FB.

RB - *Jerron Seymour, Brian Kimbrow, Raphael Webb, Dallas Rivers

Seymour finished 4th in the SEC last year with 14 rushing TDs and should be the workhorse, although injuries have kept out of fall practice so far. Kimbrow, everybody’s favorite “Too dumb for Vanderbilt” jitterbug, is in his 3rd year at the school and is looking for his breakout. Ralph Webb is a RS Freshman who has really impressed since he came to campus and will get carries, while true frosh Dallas Rivers is the big back that Mason wants and may get playing time.

WR - *Jordan Cunningham, *Latevius Rayford, Kris Kentera, Josh Grady, Trey Wilkins, Gerald Perry, C.J. Duncan, Caleb Scott, Trent Sherfield

Absolutely the biggest question mark on offense. Jordan F’n Football & Jonathan Krause were both top 10 in the conference and are now in the NFL. Cunningham is the only sure thing here, and he needs to continue to improve. Rayford played early last year but finished injured. Josh Grady has went from QB to WR to QB to WR again this season, and should produce. C.J. Duncan is one to watch and Caleb Scott is the son of Vanderbilt All-American Chuck Scott.

TE - *Steven Scheu, Nathan Marcus, Dillon van der Wal

TE is expected to be a position of importance to Mason. The good – There is a good bit of talent here. The bad? They haven’t done a dang thing on the field. Scheu played last year and is a good blocker, while Marcus has been CDM’s favorite guy to talked about this offseason. Van der Wal has one more chance to live up to 4* status.

OL - *Andrew Jelks (OT), *Andrew Bridges (OT), *Spencer Pulley (OG), *Jake Bernstein (OG), *Joe Townsend (C), Kevin McCoy, Delando Crooks, Sean Dowling, Barrett Gouger

Probably the strongest unit on the team. Jelks and Townsend have been mentioned on watch lists, and the entire line has experience as well as depth. Keep an eye on the Bernstein Bear.

2014 Defense Preview



New coaches bring new schemes and Vanderbilt will be moving to a 3-4 defense this year. The defense is considered the better unit on the team, although the entire starting secondary graduated and is in the NFL now. The Defensive Line is probably the strongest spot.

DL - *Vince Taylor (NG), *Adam Butler (DE), *Jay Woods (DE), Barron Dixon, Torey Agee, Nifae Lealao

Lots of talent and experience on the line. Vince Taylor looks the part of a nose guard. Butler had a strong year last year and Woods has actually trimmed down and seems to be very good a shedding blockers. Watch Nifae Lealao, who comes in as Vanderbilt’s highest rated recruit ever.

LB - *Darreon Herring (ILB) *Jake Sealand (ILB), Kyle Woestmann (OLB), Caleb Azubike (OLB), Nigel Bowden, Zach Cunningham, Stephen Weatherly, Ja’Karri Thomas, Jonathan Wynn

Another strong unit for the team as long as the converted ends can stand up and run through you instead of around you. The starting unit has good experience and some highly recruited players back them up. Watch Bowden and Cunningham, who were hard to keep the redshirts on last year.

DB - *Paris Head (CB), *Torren McGaster (CB), *Andrew Williamson (S), *Oren Burks (S), Jahmel McIntosh, Darrius Sims, Tre Bell, Taurean Ferguson

The defenses biggest question mark after losing all 4 starters. A few guys got experience toward the end of last year, but the starters are still in question. Head and Williamson look to have secured their spots.

2014 Special Teams Preview



Carey Spear, who many around the SEC will remember for making big hits on kick returns, will leave the Kicking spot open to either Taylor Hudson or Tommy Openshaw. Colby Cooke will return as Punter. Darrius Sims is the expected returner.