Vanderbilt football got plenty of mileage out of Aaron Rodgers's little brother Jordan. Now they'll have a chance to mold another transfer quarterback with NFL bloodlines.
The university announced on Wednesday that Stephen Rivers, the brother of San Diego Charger quarterback Philip Rivers, had officially enrolled in classes, making his transfer across the SEC complete. Rivers had announced his intent to move to Vandy earlier in the year, but both he and football officials were mum on the subject throughout the team's spring practices.
Rivers, a 6'8", 230 pound passer, spent three years at LSU before graduating and will be able to play immediately for the Commodores. He was Zach Mettenberger's backup in 2012 and saw action in three games. However, his drop down the Tigers' depth chart to #3 last season necessitated his change of scenery. He'll have two years of NCAA eligibility to burn with the 'Dores in 2014 and 2015.
The big-armed passer will join the heated battle for Vandy's starting quarterback role this summer. Rivers, 2013 spot starter Patton Robinette, and redshirt freshman Johnny McCrary all have the chops to take snaps for the Commodores this fall. While McCrary looks to be the front runner for the job after a solid spring session, Robinette's experience running the team and Rivers's three years of SEC play will make the battle one of the most compelling positional races in the conference.
Rivers was the second quarterback to officially pick Vandy in the past week. The Commodores got a verbal commitment from Pennsylvania's Kyle Shurmur - son of Philadelphia offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur - on Friday.