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Today started out as a not-so-good day for Vanderbilt football on the recruiting front. 3-Star Ikenna Okeke announced the decision to commit to Texas A&M over offers from Vanderbilt and several others. Late in the evening, however, things changed quickly. 5-Star P Sam Loy from Santa Margarita HS in , California broke the news on Twitter that he was giving Coach Mason and the rest of this staff his verbal commitment. He becomes the thirteenth commit for the 2016 class, and instantly becomes one that this staff needs to close the deal with prior to NSD in February.
Proud to say that I have committed to Vanderbilt. #AnchorDown #Select16 pic.twitter.com/4alUZ4sjtU
— Sam Loy (@SamLoy2016) November 26, 2015
The past several weeks for the Commodores most recent commitment had been a busy time to say the least. Along with finishing his senior season on a strong note, he recently took an unofficial visit to Athens to see the University of Georgia. He committed to Vandy over other offers from each of the three service academies (Army, Navy, Air Force) and is still gaining momentum in the eyes of college coaches the more they are seeing him punt. According to Kornblue Kicking, he is the top overall Punter in this class.
Special teams is definitely something that has become quite the focal point for Coach Mason and this Vanderbilt teams. I look for Loy to stay strong in his commitment to play in Nashville, even though other programs who may offer more exposure could come calling. They don't have what Vanderbilt has proven to have.
The City. The Degree. The SEC.Last, and possibly the most important factor in several commitments for the 2016 Class, early playing time. #PuntersArePeopleToo
Sunday Morning after celebrating the win against THEM all night, check back to AoG for a massive Thanksgiving weekend recruiting update. Enjoy your holiday/football.