Anchor Of Gold - Vanderbilt Football 2013 Preview: Position PrimersThe Unofficial Vanderbilt Commodores Blog * Now With Fewer Law Degrees!https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46811/anchor-fave.png2013-08-26T12:05:33-04:00http://www.anchorofgold.com/rss/stream/42304972013-08-26T12:05:33-04:002013-08-26T12:05:33-04:00Vanderbilt Football: Every Position, Broken Down
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<img alt="Jerron Seymour returns to the 'Dores in 2013 bent on making us remember his place in this offense." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zYJqWgNCgChvNliMtbkHw3I0NoM=/0x89:554x458/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/18450749/128792805.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jerron Seymour returns to the 'Dores in 2013 bent on making us remember his place in this offense. | Kevin C. Cox</figcaption>
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<p>Vanderbilt opens their season on Thursday against SEC West rival Ole Miss. Here's a breakdown of every position on the Commodore roster and a look at who is primed to start when conference play starts up in three days.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Vanderbilt football kicks off their season in three days against a familiar foe. The Commodores will open 2013 against their designated SEC West rival Ole Miss in one of the opening weekend's biggest matchups.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It's taken a long and tumultuous off-season to get here, but game week is finally upon us. Vandy returns much of the talent that rallied to an exciting 27-26 win over the Rebels in Oxford last fall, and they'll hope to keep their recent run of success alive (three straight wins, 5-1 in their last six games against Mississippi) when <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/112835/bo-wallace">Bo Wallace</a> makes his first trip to Nashville this Thursday.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">To prepare for the upcoming season, we've broken down every position on the Commodores' roster (except punter, so apologies to Taylor Hudson) and taken a look at every player who is primed to contribute in 2013. Here they are, nestled in one place for your Ole Miss-week enjoyment:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.anchorofgold.com/2013/6/26/4463916/vanderbilt-football-2013-position-primer-quarterbacks-austyn-carta-samuels-ncaa/in/4230497" target="_blank">Quarterback: Austyn Carta-Samuels leads a young, talented group.</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.anchorofgold.com/2013/6/20/4448782/vanderbilt-2013-football-position-primer-wide-receiver-chris-boyd-jordan-matthews/in/4230497" target="_blank">Wide Receiver: Jordan Matthews aims for Earl Bennett's receiving records.</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.anchorofgold.com/2013/7/8/4503396/vanderbilt-football-2013-position-previews-running-back/in/4230497" target="_blank">Running Back: Wesley Tate, Brian Kimbrow, and Jerron Seymour try to replace a Vanderbilt legend.</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.anchorofgold.com/2013/7/11/4504864/vanderbilt-football-2013-position-previews-tight-end-sec-kris-kentera/in/4230497" target="_blank">Tight End: Can Kris Kentera and Steven Scheu add a new dimension to the offense?</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.anchorofgold.com/2013/7/25/4552730/vanderbilt-football-2013-position-previews-offensive-line-wesley-johnson/in/4230497" target="_blank">Offensive Line: Finally, Vandy's O-Line is a strength in the SEC.</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.anchorofgold.com/2013/8/1/4574924/vanderbilt-football-2013-position-previews-defensive-tackle-jared-morse/in/4230497" target="_blank">Defensive Tackle: Jared Morse returns, but could Adam Butler be the real story?</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.anchorofgold.com/2013/8/2/4579180/vanderbilt-football-2013-position-previews-defensive-end/in/4230497" target="_blank">Defensive End: A-ZOO-BEE-KAY.</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.anchorofgold.com/2013/8/6/4592496/vanderbilt-football-2013-position-previews-linebacker-chase-garnham/in/4230497" target="_blank">Linebacker: Chase Garnham and Karl Butler will teach the young guns how it's done.</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.anchorofgold.com/2013/8/8/4599602/vanderbilt-football-2013-position-previews-cornerback-andre-hal-steve-clarke/in/4230497" target="_blank">Cornerback: Andre Hal: All-American?</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.anchorofgold.com/2013/8/13/4615450/vanderbilt-football-2013-position-previews-safety-kenny-ladler-javon-marshall/in/4230497" target="_blank">Safety: Javon Marshall and Kenny Ladler won't be overlooked for long.</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.anchorofgold.com/2013/8/15/4622330/vanderbilt-football-2013-position-primers-kicker-carey-spear-hit-gifs/in/4230497" target="_blank">Kicker: Carey Spear just wants to hit things, but it turns out he's pretty good at field goals, too.</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Fr</p>
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https://www.anchorofgold.com/2013/8/26/4660006/vanderbilt-football-complete-team-previews-jordan-matthews-andre-halChristian D'Andrea2013-08-15T11:05:02-04:002013-08-15T11:05:02-04:00Vanderbilt Football 2013 Position Primers: Kicker
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<img alt="Spear, in a quiet moment of reflection." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OODY5rGwtRZAEYhQn4PeSLG1doI=/0x100:4000x2767/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17881021/20121231_jla_sq9_339.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Spear, in a quiet moment of reflection. | USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Carey Spear is one of the SEC's best and most accurate kickers. That's not what he's known for, though. GIFs ahead.</p> <p>When he's wasn't making 20 of his 24 field goal attempts in 2012, Vanderbilt's All-SEC kicker <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116254/carey-spear">Carey Spear</a> could have been found:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1754131/2zs0h.gif"><img alt="2zs0h_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1754131/2zs0h_medium.gif"></a></p>
<p>Destroying <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/85958/t-j-moe">T.J. Moe</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1754191/2zsm1.gif"><img alt="2zsm1_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1754191/2zsm1_medium.gif"></a></p>
<p>Flipping Wake Forest returners and sauntering excitedly off the field.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1754161/2zs4o.gif"><img alt="2zs4o_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1754161/2zs4o_medium.gif"></a></p>
<p>Hitting Cordarelle Patterson hard enough to briefly knock himself back three seconds in time.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1754179/2zsak.gif"><img alt="2zsak_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1754179/2zsak_medium.gif"></a></p>
<p>And sending <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136951/ashely-lowery">Ashely Lowery</a> through a low-rent spacewalk simulation (in 2011).</p>
<p>If Spear isn't your favorite kicker in the SEC, let alone the NCAA, then I don't know what to tell you. HAIL VERTIGO, GOD OF DESTRUCTION AND CHAOS! SPEEEEEEAR!!!</p>
https://www.anchorofgold.com/2013/8/15/4622330/vanderbilt-football-2013-position-primers-kicker-carey-spear-hit-gifsChristian D'Andrea2013-08-13T11:05:15-04:002013-08-13T11:05:15-04:00Vanderbilt Football 2013 Position Primers: Safety
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<img alt="Ladler led the Commodores in tackles last season." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DxWcuyXl-Vjzr4VtDGxxDlo3EqU=/0x154:4000x2821/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17790609/154444986.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ladler led the Commodores in tackles last season. | Frederick Breedon</figcaption>
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<p>Vanderbilt's stout secondary includes a pair of experienced veterans at safety. Can Kenny Ladler and Javon Marshall give the Commodores the two-way play they need as the team's line of defense?</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Vanderbilt's secondary is the fiercest part of the Commodore defense. A big part of that is the run-stopping, ball-hawking play of its safeties.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Two veterans, Kenny Ladler and Javon Marshall, will bring the talent and experience this team needs to help shut down the SEC's highest-flying offenses this fall. The senior duo combined for 173 tackles last season, ranking first (Ladler) and third (Marshall) overall for the 'Dores. In one season, the two playmakers proved that they could give corners like Trey Wilson and Andre Hal over-the-top assistance while showcasing the ability to drop levels and rise to the line of scrimmage to tackle ballcarriers in pressure situations.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">That experience will serve this team well in 2013. Ladler and Marshall are an often overlooked pair that comprise an upper-tier safety tandem in the SEC. Marshall, in particular, is underrated - but a big senior season should not only cement his status as a high-level player but throw him into various NFL Draft scenarios. There, he'd join Ladler and Hal - two guys who could sneak into the first two days of picks next spring</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A pair of redshirt sophomores will wait in the wings behind them, but the depth chart gets thin after that. Andrew Williamson and Jahmel McIntosh showed that they can handle backup duties in their first year of eligibility, but they'll need more seasoning before either can prove that they're ready for a starting role. They'll have plenty of opportunities to contribute during a 2013 season that could serve as their audition for Ladler and Marshall's jobs in the following season. If the two can grow into the players that they've shown the potential of becoming, Vanderbilt could be set at safety for the next two years.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Here's how the Commodore depth chart breaks down at safety:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>The Returning Starters:</i></b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116249/kenny-ladler">Kenny Ladler</a> - The talented senior will follow Andre Hal and Jordan Matthews into the early rounds of the NFL Draft next spring if he can keep up the versatile play that made him a preseason All-SEC player (courtesy of CFB guru Phil Steele). Ladler's ability to cover ground is evidenced by his 90 tackles in 2012, and those ball-finding instincts make him a dangerous addition to the Vanderbilt secondary. While he has the fluid movement to track receivers and provide help downfield, his talent in getting back to the line of scrimmage and solid tackling skills are what make him a special player. He can creep up behind his defensive line and add bulk to Vandy's blitz schemes when needed, and his 205-pound frame helps him bring down tailbacks, wide receivers, and quarterbacks alike.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Ladler proved his durability when he played through nagging injuries to start every game of the 2012 campaign. While he still has room to grow against the passing game, he's a stout defender who adds a ton of value to James Franklin's team. He may be under-the-radar in the SEC, but he's quietly become one of the best safeties the conference has to offer.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/79070/javon-marshall">Javon Marshall</a> - After splitting time at the safety position in 2011, Marshall grew into the starting spot last fall and was named a defensive captain thanks to his work ethic on the practice field. The redshirt senior is tough as nails, and that's on full display behind his hard-hitting style. Marshall throws his body into every tackle, and that gives the Commodores an insurance policy for when ballcarriers burst into the secondary.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Marshall's closing speed makes him a deceptive presence in the backfield. Once the ball is in the air, he can catch up to opposing receivers in a hurry. This gives him some space to play off opponents, but it also leaves room to get burned against the conference's fastest receivers. He's done a good job of limiting those mistakes - thanks in part to strong instincts and a solid understanding of the team's defensive schemes - but he's still got room to grow. Expect him to shore up those lapses after breaking through for Vanderbilt in 2012.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Waiting in the Wings:</i></b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/138384/andrew-williamson">Andrew Williamson</a> - Williamson earned his stripes in 2012 by filling in for Ladler when the starting safety was forced out of the Northwestern game by injury. The redshirt sophomore played well enough to keep his spot in the rotation, and he played in all 13 of the Commodores' games as a key reserve. He'll carry that designation into 2013, and his experience will give him a head start on a starring role when 2014 arrives. The 210-pound Texan is a solid tackler who gives the 'Dores a steady presence that can cover plenty of ground in dime situations. His coverage skills still need to be refined, but he'll be a valuable member of this defense in SEC play.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/138383/jahmel-mcintosh" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Jahmel McIntosh</a> - McIntosh, a redshirt freshman, does several things well on the field, but hasn't shown that he can excel in any one area yet. He combines good speed, solid size, and on-point tackling at the safety position, but he still needs to prove that he can track opponents' passing games and operate in open space without losing sight of his assignments. His physical tools have put him in a place where he can contribute immediately, and those talents will only get better as he grows. When you combine that with his mental growth at the position, you can see how McIntosh will be a big part of this defense's plans in the future.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Wild Cards:</i></b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Josh Gregory</b> - Gregory is in his third year with the Commodores after walking on to the team as a freshman. He saw his first game action last season, and he could be primed for a larger role this fall. He's undersized for the safety spot at 178 pounds, but he will still have a chance to contribute on special teams for James Franklin in 2013.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Jalen Banks</b> - We lumped Banks in with the cornerbacks last week, but the talented true freshman could also see time at safety as his career develops in Nashville. <a href="http://www.anchorofgold.com/2013/8/8/4599602/vanderbilt-football-2013-position-previews-cornerback-andre-hal-steve-clarke" target="_blank">You can read up on him here</a>.</p>
https://www.anchorofgold.com/2013/8/13/4615450/vanderbilt-football-2013-position-previews-safety-kenny-ladler-javon-marshallChristian D'Andrea2013-08-08T11:55:05-04:002013-08-08T11:55:05-04:00Vandy Football 2013 Position Primers: Cornerback
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<img alt="Oh yeah, he can return kicks, too." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1UNaOJyO8hfC4z7xdMbJbAMvsXo=/17x0:3982x2643/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17532001/151020708.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Oh yeah, he can return kicks, too. | Frederick Breedon</figcaption>
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<p>Vanderbilt has a rich tradition of strong cornerback play, ranging from D.J. Moore to Myron Lewis to Casey Hayward in recent years. Can Andre Hal be the next Commodore to make Vandy's secondary a no-fly zone for opposing quarterbacks?</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Since the Bobby Johnson era, the heart of the Vanderbilt defense has been its secondary. All-SEC cornerback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116246/andre-hal" class="sbn-auto-link">Andre Hal</a> will ensure that it stays that way in 2013.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Hal has emerged as the latest in a string of Commodore standouts at corner, and he's likely to join players like <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/11043/myron-lewis">Myron Lewis</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38435/casey-hayward">Casey Hayward</a> as Vanderbilt defenders that became high value NFL draft picks upon graduation. After knocking down 16 passes in 2012, the senior playmaker has earned honors from the SEC, football gurus like Mel Kiper, and a boatload of various defensive-player-of-the-year watch lists.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">However, he won't be alone in his duties. Senior Steven Clarke has been a jack-of-all-trades in the Vandy secondary, and he'll have the opportunity to put his athleticism and experience to use when the season starts against Ole Miss. These two, along with a pair of veteran safeties in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/79070/javon-marshall">Javon Marshall</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116249/kenny-ladler">Kenny Ladler</a>, will give the 'Dores one of the most imposing defensive backfields in the NCAA.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It'll be vital for Hal and Clarke to stay healthy this fall. The depth chart behind them is high on talent, but decidedly low on experience. Former walk-ons Scot Aiello and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158299/alex-hysong" class="sbn-auto-link">Alex Hysong</a> are the only other upperclassmen on the roster, and they're better suited for special teams play than a feature spot in the CB rotation. Behind them, seven of the team's corners are either redshirt or true freshmen. It will be important for these young players to break into the rotation in 2013, but it could be bad news if they have to handle an extended role against the SEC's top offenses this fall.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Those young defensive backs include a pair of four-star true freshmen in Ryan White and Tre Bell, who could step in to big roles if they can grasp the team's defensive assignments as the season wears on. They'll have to prove that they can add weight and maintain the quickness and instinctive play that made them next-level prospects in high school. If they can do that, there will be a spot waiting for them in Vanderbilt's defensive rotation.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If they need more time to develop, the 'Dores have a solid contingency plan in Torren McGaster and Paris Head, two redshirt freshmen who will be pushed into action this fall. That duo will be auditioning for starting roles in 2014, and they'll have to prove that they can handle the pressure of playing in the SEC before they can put their claim on the position. Vandy is stacked with young talent, but low on experience - practically on empty, in fact - behind Hal and Clarke. Here's how the position looks for 2013.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>The old guard:</i></b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Andre Hal </b>- The All-SEC playmaker <a target="_blank" href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2014/story/_/id/9275349/2014-nfl-draft-bradley-roby-leads-top-5-cornerbacks-next-year-draft">has been named by Mel Kiper</a> as one of the top 10 cornerback prospects in the 2014 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft" class="sbn-auto-link">NFL Draft</a>, and he'll have a chance to improve that stock this fall. He emerged as a shutdown corner last season, and his 16 defended passes were five more than the next closest Vandy defender (the often excellent <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/79058/trey-wilson">Trey Wilson</a>). He's got a great nose for the ball, and his instincts keep opposing quarterbacks from sneaking passes over his head or past his reach.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Hal's skills have led him to the Bednarik, Thorpe, and Nagurski Watch Lists after just one season as a starter at CB. While he shines in coverage, he's also a solid tackler who can shed his receiver and step up to tackle opposing tailbacks. On top of all that, he's also one of Vandy's top kick returners, and he'll pull kickoff duty this fall. In a stacked secondary, Hal may be the most talented player the Commodores have.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116250/steven-clarke" class="sbn-auto-link">Steven Clarke</a> - Clarke is a versatile and athletic senior who has been waiting for three years for the opportunity to start at corner for the Commodores. He's fluid in coverage and showed off good tackling instincts as a member of the secondary rotation over the past two years. Pushing nearly 200 pounds, the veteran corner has no problem lowering his shoulder and coming up with powerful stops downfield. 2013 will be Clarke's time to shine, and after being a versatile weapon across the field for Vanderbilt you can expect him to settle into a more permanent role at corner across from Hal.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Their 2014 replacements:</i></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ahE_u1KftOQ?rel=0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158293/paris-head" class="sbn-auto-link">Paris Head</a> - Head has the build to eventually shift over to safety if the situation calls for it, but his smooth hands and good size (6'0", 182 lbs) should throw him into the corner rotation in his first year of eligibility. He doesn't have great top-end speed and could be at a disadvantage if left on his own against deep routes, but he's good instincts and locates the ball well which will lead to some turnovers for the Commodores this fall. In high school, he rated out as a better coverage man than tackler, and he'll have to prove that he can wrap up opponents and bring them down before he can slide into regular assignments for the Vanderbilt defense. That's an area where the Georgia native can make strides with the right coaching, so expect to hear his number get called often this season.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158285/torren-mcgaster" class="sbn-auto-link">Torren McGaster</a> - Like Head, McGaster possesses good size at the CB position (6'0", 190 lbs), but he's a more consistent tackler who can provide additional run support on the sideline. McGaster has the strength and fluidity to handle man-to-man assignments for the 'Dores, and his physical style could make him a solid bump-and-run cornerback in the SEC. He'll have the chance to contribute in 2013, but he'll have to prove that he can avoid mistakes and identify plays as they unfold in order to get there first.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>The newcomers:</i></b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Md5LsRYxsGY?rel=0" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Ryan White</b> - White decommitted from his hometown <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/louisville-cardinals">Louisville Cardinals</a> to pick Vanderbilt, and Franklin and company have big plans in his future. At 5'9" and 185 lbs, he's a strong and compact corner who can shed blockers and make stops against tailbacks outside of the tackle box. He's a tough tackler with the fluid hip movement to change directions smoothly, and that ability could give him a shot as a kick returner as his career develops. In high school, he showed that he could handle bump and run duties, but his athleticism allowed him to adjust in situations where he'd have been burned by faster receivers. For now, he'll hold down the end of the depth chart until he proves that he can keep up with SEC speed in the defensive backfield, but he probably has the greatest chance to make an impact of the team's true freshmen at corner.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Tre Bell</b> - The four-star cornerback from Jersey City could represent an untapped recruiting pipeline for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115134/james-franklin">James Franklin</a>, but he's going to have to bulk up first. The dynamic ballhawk only weighs 165 pounds right now, and he's due to redshirt while he adds muscle to his 5'11" frame. Once he fills out, he'll have the chance to add a strong tackling game to his already exceptional coverage capabilities. Bell is able to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, and he's the kind of player who can thrive in single-coverage opportunities. He wraps up ballcarriers well and shows good instincts out of the secondary, but his size will likely keep him out of the lineup this fall.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Darrius Sims</b> - This Memphis product has flown a under the radar, but he's a strong addition to Franklin's cache of young cornerbacks at Vanderbilt. He handled himself well in both zone and man coverage in high school, and those shadowing skills will serve him well at the next level. He will have to get bigger, but he tackles well in open space and seems to have good instincts around the ball. He'll need time to polish these skills, so a redshirt season may be in order.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Jalen Banks</b> - Banks is a dynamic athlete that could give Vanderbilt a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/11055/d-j-moore">D.J. Moore</a>-like presence on both sides of the ball. He already has the size to make an impact as a true freshman, and his ability to explode towards the ball will serve him well at the next level. He's got a lot to learn and it's still unclear if cornerback will be his permanent position at Vanderbilt, but he's a strong addition to this team's secondary.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Taurean Ferguson </b>- Like Sims and White, Ferguson is a shorter (5'9") cornerback prospect who could end up in trouble against the league's taller receivers, but his quick feet and sound instincts should mitigate that weakness. He relied on his athleticism in high school, and he'll have to add a more fundamental game to his package before he can make an impact in the SEC. He should develop into a slot corner as his career progresses, but he seems likely to burn a redshirt season in 2013.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>The Walk-ons:</b></i></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Scot Aiello</b> earned some assignments in his second year with the team as a special teams contributor. The hard-working junior can expect to see that role grow in 2013. <b>Alex Hysong</b> has spent two years as a scout team standout, but hasn't seen any game time for the Commodores. <b>Dane Stubbs </b>is a versatile athlete who is also a key part of the scout team.</p>
https://www.anchorofgold.com/2013/8/8/4599602/vanderbilt-football-2013-position-previews-cornerback-andre-hal-steve-clarkeChristian D'Andrea2013-08-06T11:09:53-04:002013-08-06T11:09:53-04:00Vandy Football 2013 Position Previews: Linebacker
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<img alt="Karl Butler: 216 pounds of murder." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XmSwRVgtk5Reh8YdB8K12xoOFPE=/0x73:4000x2740/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17431561/151020719.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Karl Butler: 216 pounds of murder. | Frederick Breedon</figcaption>
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<p>Seniors Chase Garnham and Karl Butler will return to lead a talented young crop of defenders at linebacker. Darreon Herring and Jake Sealand will compete to fill Archibald Barnes's role as the third linebacker in Vanderbilt's 4-3 setup.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Depth hasn't been something that the Vanderbilt linebacking corps could brag about over the past five years. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115134/james-franklin">James Franklin</a> has been working his tail off to change that.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A cache of highly-touted recruits and young players will vie for playing time alongside two distinguished veterans at the heart of the Commodore defense this fall. Seniors <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116252/chase-garnham">Chase Garnham</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116255/karl-butler">Karl Butler</a> will lead this team at linebacker behind a mix of pass rushing and run stopping experience. They'll be bolstered by a deep roster of underclassmen - most of whom were key recruits in Franklin's first three years on campus - who are chomping at the bit to make an impact for the Commodores in 2013.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Vanderbilt will boast 14 linebackers on its roster this season, 10 of which came to Vanderbilt as scholarship players. Four of those players were rated as four-star players by either Rivals.com or ESPN. Every one of those four-star players will have at least three years of eligibility remaining in 2013. That means that the era of the Vanderbilt linebacker is just beginning. Garnham and Butler will be passing the torch down to capable hands when they graduate this spring.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Comparatively, that's light years away from where the 'Dores had been at the position in past years. Vanderbilt rostered standout players like <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/11088/jonathan-goff">Jonathan Goff</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/11091/john-stokes">John Stokes</a>, and Marve over the past eight seasons, but there were always questions about this team's depth. The Commodores have relied on unheralded veterans like <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38434/archibald-barnes">Archibald Barnes</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38437/tristan-strong">Tristan Strong</a> to step up and make plays, and while those players both rose to the occasion, Vandy was always a key injury away from falling apart. Now, instead of relying on luck and singular performances, Franklin's team will have a loaded depth chart - and all the perks of its added flexibility - to play with in 2013.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Since this is a long list, let's just get right down to the cast of characters. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>The likely rotation:</i></b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Chase Garnham (6'3", 236 lbs)</b> - In three years at Vanderbilt, Garnham has developed from an athletic experiment to the leader of the Commodores' linebackers. The former two-star recruit has blossomed into an All-SEC defender thanks to his blend of size, speed, and aggression over the past two years. He's versatile enough to handle duty inside (where he played in 2012) and out (where he started in 2011). Garnham led the 'Dores with seven sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss last year, and he's a strong pass rusher from the second level. He's athletic enough to be effective in coverage, but still needs work in that department to become a truly versatile linebacker.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/97UX-B5hS3I?rel=0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Karl Butler (6'1", 216 lbs)</b> - Is Butler's nickname "The Hybrid?" It should be. The Hybrid moved up from safety last season to become an immediate starter at outside linebacker, and the hard-hitting senior will reprise that role this fall. Butler's experience in the secondary makes him the team's best linebacker in coverage, and he's got the ability to shade slot receivers and shadow athletic tight ends up the seam. He's a bit small to handle blockers that pull up the middle of the field, but he's tough and versatile on the outside. He doesn't have a lot of bulk, <a target="_blank" href="http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/vand/graphics/auto/2012springfootballposter32912.jpg">but Butler, as the 2012 team poster showed, is jacked</a> and extremely athletic. He's primed for a strong season if he can build off of the experience he gained at linebacker last fall.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158296/darreon-herring">Darreon Herring</a> (6'2", 228 lbs)</b> - Herring got a head start on his Vandy career by being a rare spring enrollee alongside <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158284/patton-robinette">Patton Robinette</a> last season. That primed him to contribute as a true freshman and he played in all 13 games of the Vanderbilt season, finishing his campaign with 33 tackles. The sophomore is an athletic defender who can handle duties at outside linebacker thanks to his ability to pressure the passer and drop back in coverage when needed. Despite limited time, he forced three turnovers last year - one interception and two fumbles - and should boost those numbers in '13. Herring has the inside track to start alongside Garnham and Butler in Vandy's 4-3 defense.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158289/jake-sealand">Jake Sealand</a> (6'2", 230 lbs) </b>- Sealand came to Vanderbilt ready to play as a true freshman thanks a 220-pound frame that made him a standout in high school. That led to him earning snaps in the final eight games of the season at inside linebacker, and he looks to be the heir apparent to Garnham in the middle once the senior graduates. He's a strong tackler who can find gaps and fill them, but he's still learning to identify plays at the next level. He's got to do a better job of defending against the pass, but he'll have several opportunities to develop, and he'll be a perfectly capable member of the linebacker rotation this fall.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/138387/larry-franklin">Larry Franklin</a> (6'1", 214 lbs)</b> - Franklin came to Vanderbilt as a safety, and that made him a natural fit to back up Karl Butler last season. His physical play at the position made it an easy transition out of the secondary, and he's got great straight line speed that helps him fill gaps and close the distance in pass coverage. He has a penchant for leading with his body and sometimes struggles to wrap his man up, and without ideal size that can lead to broken tackles. That's easily correctable though practice and repetition, and Franklin will get the chance to show that off in game situations this fall.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>The next in line:</i></b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Zach Cunningham (6'4", 212 lbs)</b> - The lanky freshman was one of the jewels of Franklin's 2013 recruiting class, and while he needs to add mass to his long frame, he's got the athleticism and instincts to make an impact right away. He's got great speed from sideline to sideline and the physical approach to drag down ball carriers. Cunningham chose Vanderbilt over Oregon and Auburn, and that probably included some talk of early playing time. Whether or not that's in 2013 or after Butler and Garnham graduate will depend on how quickly he can adjust to the SEC game. With his frame, it's not out of the question that he could see time at defensive end if the strength and conditioning staff can add another 40-50 pounds to his body.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/M_sXCR2-XEc?rel=0" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158288/harding-harper">Harding Harper</a> (6'2", 240 lbs)</b> - The man with the most "Vanderbilt" name on the roster was a three-star recruit from Montgomery, AL in 2012. He's strong against the run and has the size and strength to shed blockers, but his coverage skills need work. Harper needs to prove that he can play loose as well as angry to find the field in his first year of eligibility this fall. He could work his way into the rotation at middle linebacker if he shows that he can identify and sniff out developing plays, but he'll have to make the necessary adjustments to show that he can get to the ball at the NCAA level.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Oren Burks (6'3", 210 lbs)</b> - The true freshman will bolster the outside linebacking corps this fall, but he may need some time to add weight to his long frame. Burks's fluid hips allow him to cover space and monitor receivers near the line of scrimmage, and he also showed good instincts against the run in high school. He will need time to adjust, but the skills are there, and the young Virginian should crack the starting lineup during his time as a Commodore.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Ja'Karri Thomas (6'1", 225 lbs)</b> - The three-star linebacker is primed to make an impact in 2013 after redshirting as a true freshman last season. Thomas is an explosive player who was an undersized defensive end in high school, but he projects well at outside linebacker for the 'Dores. He has the versatility and ability to change directions quickly to make him a run stopper along the edge, but he relied too much on his athleticism to make plays in high school. He won't be able to replicate that kind of success against better NCAA players, but improvements in his hand work and developing strength will give him the tools he needs to be effective at the next level.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Nigel Bowden (6'1", 235 lbs) </b>- Bowden is a strong inside linebacker prospect who could see situational work this fall thanks to his ability to bring down tailbacks inside the tackle box. He has the explosiveness to get upfield and be disruptive against the run, and his bulky body makes him a handful for opposing blockers to handle, especially on the run. Bowden may have had a more defined role on the linebacker-light Vanderbilt teams of the past, but Franklin and his staff can afford to redshirt him this fall and prime him for a big impact in 2014.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Veteran Contributors and Special Teams Aces:</i></b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Kellen Williams (6'1", 225 lbs)</b> - Williams joined the team as an under-the-radar prospect in 2011 and logged scout time before emerging for some low-pressure snaps in 2012. He's the son of 14-year NFL veteran Reggie Williams, and while he's not a stud athlete he is a hard worker who has a good understanding of the game. He will have the chance to expand his role for the 'Dores this fall, but he'll have to fend off some young and talented players to get there first.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113507/casey-hughes">Casey Hughes</a> (6'1", 218 lbs) </b>- Hughes walked on to the team after starting his college career with Army back in 2009, where he earned a starting role at cornerback before leaving the academy. He primarily earned playing time on special teams last season, but he's a linebacker in the Butler mold - although not as athletic or instinctive. He's a hard worker who will hear his name called a few times thanks to his presence on punts and kickoffs.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Patrick Sutton (6'0", 220 lbs)</b> and <b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158298/hunter-bowman">Hunter Bowman</a> (5'11", 220 lbs)</b> - These two upperclassman walk-ons serve their purpose on the scout team, but may not be slated for more than special teams work amongst a deep linebacking corps. Look for them to make appearances against UMass and Austin Peay this season.</p>
https://www.anchorofgold.com/2013/8/6/4592496/vanderbilt-football-2013-position-previews-linebacker-chase-garnhamChristian D'Andrea2013-08-02T11:10:47-04:002013-08-02T11:10:47-04:00Vandy Football 2013 Position Primer: Defensive End
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<img alt="Now, let's never speak of this game again." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tGihJPdpVsC9Nd9edROLJjOzM8A=/0x205:4000x2872/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17222477/152592790.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Now, let's never speak of this game again. | Scott Cunningham</figcaption>
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<p>Experienced veteran Walker May will team up with athletic sophomore Caleb Azubike and sack machine Kyle Woestmann to give Vanderbilt a dynamic trio of bookends to its defensive line. Can these three set the tone for Vandy's defense up front?</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">You don't hear <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/79080/walker-may" class="sbn-auto-link">Walker May's</a> name get dropped too much at SEC Media Days. Same with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116268/kyle-woestmann" class="sbn-auto-link">Kyle Woestmann</a> or <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158309/caleb-azubike" class="sbn-auto-link">Caleb Azubike</a>. Even so, Vandy fans know exactly who these players are; they're the bookends that keep the defensive line intact, effective, and, at times, absolutely hellacious for opposing quarterbacks.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As a result, Vanderbilt may boast one of the most underrated defensive end rotations in the SEC.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This unheralded group is a dynamic one, too. May and Woestmann are the veteran leaders of an otherwise young and hungry core of #WildDogs. Every other player at the position has at least three years of NCAA eligibility left coming into this season. 2013 won't just be a showcase for May as he preps for an All-SEC campaign, but it will also be a glimpse of the future for this Commodore defensive line.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">That group of young players will have to prove themselves in practice before cracking a three-man rotation that developed into a stand-out unit last season. May turned in his standard high-level season thanks to an ability to consistently get outside of blockers and put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Though he only had three sacks, he altered countless other plays thanks to his relentless pursuit from the right side. Behind him, Woestmann and Azubike developed into legitimate starters as the season wore on, playing major cogs in Vandy's seven-game winning streak to close out the season (10 sacks combined) and giving May an equally talented bookend on the other side of the line.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">That group will return intact in 2013. The Commodores only lost walk-on <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/138390/conor-hart">Conor Hart</a> from last year's team. Like the rest of this team's defense, the defensive end position will boast a mix of experienced starters and high-level recruits who are waiting to make an impact on Dudley Field. Here's how the depth chart looks so far at the position:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Walker May (6'5", 250 lbs) </b>- A captain in 2012, the redshirt senior is one of this team's biggest leaders both on the field and in the locker room. He was instrumental in Vandy's bowl-clinching win over Ole Miss last fall, where his six solo tackles (three behind the line of scrimmage) set the tone for a huge come-from-behind victory. He had 10.5 tackles for loss last year, and each of those stops came at an expense of nearly five yards for Vanderbilt opponents.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">May (May? DOES.) moves very well for a man of his carriage, and he does a good job of following plays and bringing down runners from behind. He's got a strong motor and good cardio that helps keep him on the field when Vanderbilt needs stops the most. May excels in getting upfield and making quarterbacks uncomfortable, but one of his biggest strengths is his speed around the edge. In fact, here's May helping to seal Vandy's upset win over Missouri last season by embarrassing the Tigers' left tackle on three straight plays.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/41pGNvGFLMY?rel=0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Kyle Woestmann (6'3", 252 lbs)</b> - Woestmann got stronger as the 2012 rolled on, notching all six of his sacks in the final seven games of the season. He separated himself from the pack thanks to his strength and seemingly unstoppable motor. The redshirt junior came to Nashville with some question marks about whether or not he could develop into a capable pass rusher, and three years of hard work have put those doubts in the rearview mirror.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Woestmann plays a bit like former Vandy lineman <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/11082/tim-fugger">Tim Fugger</a>. He grinds down opposing linemen and finds opportunities to exploit as the game goes on. Like May, he's a strong athlete who leads by example on the field. He's a player whose impact goes well beyond his stats and measureable athletic traits. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Caleb Azubike (6'4", 265 lbs)</b> - First and foremost - A-ZOO-BEE-KAY. The Nigeria native made an instant impact at Vanderbilt thanks to his raw combination of size and athleticism. Azubike only picked up American football in high school at nearby McGavock, but the DE position fit him like a glove in his first year with the Commodores. He notched more playing time than any other true freshman and thrilled fans with flashes of dominant play at defensive end.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Azubike's speed makes him a major threat along the edges, though opponents were able to seal him off at times and make him less effective against the running game. That's something that he can outgrow in practice, but it'll be a big part in his development if he wants to fulfill his All-SEC potential. His athletic ability is still ahead of his technique at this point, but even as a raw player he notched four sacks as a freshman. That number should grow in 2013 as Azubike learns how to better leverage his speed and strength in the trenches.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158303/stephen-weatherly" class="sbn-auto-link">Stephen Weatherly</a><b> (6'5", 252 lbs)</b> - Weatherly was one of the gems of Franklin's class of 2012, and he'll be counted on to make an impact in his first year of eligibility this fall. He spent his freshman year at Vanderbilt putting on weight, and he's now 60 pounds heavier than he was as a rising high school junior. He's got great top end speed and quick acceleration that can get him off the line and past blockers when applied properly. If he can maintain that straight-line quickness with his new frame, he'll be a nightmare for scrambling quarterbacks and tailbacks looking to bounce to the outside for some extra yards. He looks like he'll be an effective speed rusher for the Commodores, but how much playing time he finds in 2013 will depend on how strongly he finishes his summer practices.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/138400/jimmy-stewart" class="sbn-auto-link">Jimmy Stewart</a> <b>(6'4", 245 lbs)</b> - This redshirt sophomore came to Vanderbilt as a bit of a defensive tweener, but his versatility could make him a contributor at defensive end or outside linebacker as his career continues. Stewart logged most of his productive playing time in a clean up role during big wins last season, but he's in position to earn a higher spot in the defensive hierarchy this fall. He may not have the lateral speed to handle coverage duties full time, but his hard work, good hands, and ability to read offenses will make him a better fit on the defensive line.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/138388/darien-bryant" class="sbn-auto-link">Darien Bryant</a> <b>(6'4", 230 lbs)</b> - Bryant briefly left the program in 2012, but returned to add some key depth to the defensive end rotation for the 'Dores. His experience as a tight end should give him some insight on shedding blocks and opposing techniques, but he's still learning at DE, where his speed and aggression should come in handy. He's likely to earn some snaps this fall, but whether they're against Austin Peay or Tennessee will depend on his development on the practice field.</p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Landon Stokes (6'4", 238 lbs) </b>- Stokes was rated a four-star recruit by ESPN, and he'll have the chance to validate their ranking with a strong summer showing. He's done a good job of adding mass between high school and coming to Vanderbilt, and his speed and intuitive style of play could give him an edge over the team's other first-year defensive ends. He's the son of Fred Stokes, who played in the NFL as a defensive end for nearly a decade and started in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> XXVI. If he can continue to add bulk while maintaining his strong lateral movement and quickness at the line of scrimmage, Stokes could be a major contributor for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115134/james-franklin">James Franklin's</a> team. As a true freshman, however, he might have trouble finding field time.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Jonathan Wynn (6'4", 230 lbs)</b> - The lean, athletic defender may use his first season in Nashville to bulk up, but a strong showing could make him a rotational player amongst Vanderbilt's ends. He's solid against the run and puts a lot of effort behind every play, but his technique still needs to be refined to be effective at the next level. Wynn showed off the ability to shed blocks and the awareness to get upfield to the quarterback after being engaged at the line in high school. If he can put those instincts to work in the NCAA, he'll have a spot as a contributor for the Commodores.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mack Weaver</b> <b>(6'5", 260 lbs) </b>- Weaver was also a top recruit at tight end, but his size and strength will move him to defensive end at the college level. He's got great size for the position, but he's going to have to refine that mass and learn how to leverage it effectively against SEC offenses. Like Wynn and Stokes, he'll have a difficult path to playing time as a true freshman thanks to Vandy's depth at DE.</p>
https://www.anchorofgold.com/2013/8/2/4579180/vanderbilt-football-2013-position-previews-defensive-endChristian D'Andrea2013-08-01T10:56:38-04:002013-08-01T10:56:38-04:00Vanderbilt 2013 Position Primer: Defensive Tackle
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<img alt="This photo, every time." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QDkm4vwHEfYpE-4ta7qQqemGXbI=/0x204:3347x2435/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17156947/154847835.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>This photo, every time. | Frederick Breedon</figcaption>
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<p>Vanderbilt's run defense got a boost when senior DT Jared Morse was reinstated to the team this summer. He'll lead a talented, but inexperienced, group into battle this fall.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">For a few months, it looked like <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116270/jared-morse" class="sbn-auto-link">Jared Morse</a> was going to fall victim to the long arm of Vanderbilt discipline.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">News broke in March that Morse, the most experienced member of Vandy's defensive tackle corps, had been removed from the university <a target="_blank" href="http://www.anchorofgold.com/2013/3/13/4099072/jared-morse-part-time-starter-at-defense-tackle-no-longer-at">after an unspecified violation of team rules</a>. While <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115134/james-franklin" class="sbn-auto-link">James Franklin</a> left the door open for his return, but didn't express too much optimism at the prospect. Upon the announcement of Morse's dismissal, the best the coach could muster up was a "we'll see" in terms of the big tackle's football career.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Fortunately for Vanderbilt - and Morse - the rising senior made the most of his second chance to earn his way back into Franklin's good graces. He <a target="_blank" href="http://www.anchorofgold.com/2013/6/20/4450152/jared-morse-allowed-to-return-to-vanderbilt-football-team-vows-to-eat">was reinstated to the program</a> after making an undisclosed penance, and he's currently fighting his way through summer classes right now.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Morse's return will have a major impact for this team. His presence will shift sophomore <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158309/caleb-azubike">Caleb Azubike</a> back to the edge and give Vandy a trusted performer in the middle of the line. The 300-pounder will serve as a major deterrent against the run game, and that's a fearsome addition for a team whose pass defense is already one of the best in the country. Adding the senior's strength and experience on the line should turn a potential weakness into a Vanderbilt strength this fall.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Morse will have the chance to show everyone just how much he learned in his time away from Vandy. Behind him, a handful of talented players, most of whom came to Nashville as key recruits for James Franklin, will look to make their mark at Dudley Field. Vandy's defensive tackles came out strong in 2012, but some of their biggest performances also came against the team's weakest opponents. Morse, Vince Taylor, Barron Dixon, and others will have to step up their games in order to prove that they can be effective against high level offensive lines. Their play could be the difference between a signature win and another season of losses to ranked teams.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Here's how Vanderbilt's 2013 defensive tackle rotation looks with a month left before the season starts. Players here are listed in order of experience at the position.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Jared Morse (6'2", 302 lbs) </b>- Morse had his best season as a Commodore in 2012, emerging as a reliable starter and run stopper up the middle. His best games were against UMass and Presbyterian, and while that's expected, it may set the bar a bit too high for the senior's performance in 2013. Morse is a strong veteran presence up front, but he's not going to blow anyone's doors off with his play. He'll be counted on to provide leadership and take the tough snaps when Vanderbilt needs him the most.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Morse's biggest strength is his ability to fill gaps and make contact behind the line of scrimmage. He had nine tackles for loss last season, and was responsible for altering countless other plays. Most importantly, he'll give this team the backbone they need to allow <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/79080/walker-may">Walker May</a> and Caleb Azubike to be as destructive as possible on the edges. Morse's return should help to strengthen every position across the defensive line this fall.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Vince Taylor (6'2", 308 lbs) </b>- Taylor was a key member of the tackle rotation last season, and he'll have an inside track when it comes to filling the other starting DT role next to Morse in this team's 4-3 defensive alignment. He's done a great job of adding mass since coming to Vanderbilt, and that extra size hasn't curtailed his solid athleticism at the position. He's able to get low and stand blockers up at the point of attack, but he hasn't shown the ability to be disruptive in the backfield just yet.</p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/138399/barron-dixon" class="sbn-auto-link">Barron Dixon</a> <b>(6'4", 308 lbs)</b> - Like Taylor and Morse, Dixon had great performances against UMass and Presbyterian before fading as the season wore on and tougher opponents came to town. Dixon has been contributing to this team since he was a true freshman in 2011, and 2013 could serve as his breakout season. He adjusted to playing on the interior after coming to Vandy as an end, and his physicality and tackling ability will make him a potential starter this fall. His height and long arms will give him an extra advantage as a pass deflector, but Dixon will have to prove himself as a disruptor before he ascends to the top of the depth chart. If he can work on his upfield penetration and find tailbacks before they reach the line of scrimmage, he'll have a major role for Vandy in '13.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158317/ladarius-banks" class="sbn-auto-link">Ladarius Banks</a> <b>(6'2", 290 lbs)</b> - Banks is still adding weight after a redshirt freshman season, but he's got enough bulk to emerge as a run stopper in 2013. He's strong and athletic enough to shed blockers, but can hesitate to trail plays and needs to show greater consistency on the field. He'll have a chance to earn snaps in his second season at Vanderbilt, but his spot on the depth chart is still volatile for now.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158318/torey-agee" class="sbn-auto-link">Torey Agee</a> <b>(6'4", 285 lbs)</b> - Like Banks, Agee took last season to add bulk, and he has put on about 40 pounds of muscle and mass from 2011 to 2013. Agee came to Vanderbilt as a defensive end, and he has the length and motor to cover either position as his career wages on. He's a strong athlete, but he may not have the pass rushing instincts to handle working on the edge, so the switch to tackle makes sense. He plays tough around the line, and he's not afraid to engage blockers to get upfield. However, his technique still needs to be refined, especially against the bigger, tougher linemen of the SEC. He should earn playing time this fall, but may fall out of the tackle rotation in more meaningful games.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158313/adam-butler" class="sbn-auto-link">Adam Butler</a> <b>(6'4", 305 lbs)</b> - Butler worked his way onto the depth chart as a true freshman on the offensive line, but ultimately redshirted and was tagged for an assignment on the other side of the ball. The big Texan has the size and athleticism to handle the position, but questions about his ability to transition between positions remain. Butler plays mean and has long arms and quick feet that should be able to make him an effective presence against both the run and the pass. Physically, he had the tools to be a very strong offensive lineman. James Franklin is betting that his athleticism will help those skills translate to defense and make him an even more valuable addition to the Commodore roster.</p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Jay Woods (6'3", 292 lbs)</b> - Vanderbilt's only true freshman at the position may have the most raw talent of any first-year Commodore on the defensive line. The four-star recruit has added 15 pounds of mass since his senior year of high school, and at 6'2" and 292 pounds he'll have the build to step into playing time right away if Franklin needs him. He's fast and strong off the snap, which allows him to shoot into gaps and disrupt running plays up the middle and make tackles in the backfield. Even with that potential, he's still a raw commodity. Vanderbilt will probably bring him along slowly as he learns to deal with the strength and athleticism of SEC offensive linemen.</p>
https://www.anchorofgold.com/2013/8/1/4574924/vanderbilt-football-2013-position-previews-defensive-tackle-jared-morseChristian D'Andrea2013-07-25T10:51:17-04:002013-07-25T10:51:17-04:00Vanderbilt 2013 Position Primer: Offensive Line
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<figcaption>Most of Vandy's trash talk on the line contains references to the lesser works of Francis Bacon. | Frederick Breedon</figcaption>
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<p>Vanderbilt's offensive line has been a point of weakness in the past, but Herb Hand's boys have shown tremendous growth over the last two seasons. Can they block well enough to let new QB Austyn Carta-Samuels get comfortable in the pocket?</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Vanderbilt's offensive line has taken its fair share of criticism in the past few seasons, but one thing that even the staunchest critic can't blast the 'Dores for is a lack of growth.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The 2011 edition of Commodore offensive line began play with the consistency of cheesecloth and was best known for sending <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/11057/larry-smith">Larry Smith</a> running towards his own end zone on third down, but they finished out the year by giving Jordan Rodgers just enough time to find receivers downfield in a six-win season. Things weren't as bad to start the 2012 season, but a growing line that featured plenty of question marks transformed into a dynamic unit that helped run the 'Dores out to a seven-game winning streak to close out the year. Now, in 2013, they'll look to continue that growth and become one of the SEC's best lines.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">That's a tall task in a conference filled with massive blockers, but Vanderbilt is primed for a big season under the tutelage of positional coach Herb Hand. The Commodores will be led by preseason All-SEC tackle Wesley Johnson, who was one of three 'Dores to represent the team at SEC Media Days last week. The three-year starter has emerged as Vandy's most consistent lineman while filling in at every position in the trenches. He'll be joined by junior Joe Townsend and redshirt sophomore Jake Bernstein to provide the core of Vandy's dynamic O-Line. From there, returning players like Andrew Bridges and Chase White will battle rising stars like Andrew Jelks and Kevin McCoy for the chance to build up the Commodore offense on the gridiron this fall.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In terms of talent alone, this may be the deepest group that Vanderbilt has fielded up front in over a decade. Let's take a deeper look at who will be protecting Austyn Carta-Samuels, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/79064/wesley-tate">Wesley Tate</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158294/brian-kimbrow">Brian Kimbrow</a>, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/138381/jerron-seymour">Jerron Seymour</a> in 2013.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>The returning starters:</i></b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/79074/wesley-johnson">Wesley Johnson</a> (RT) - Butkus Award watch list member, All-SEC player, and a starter at every position on the offensive line, Johnson has been the foundation for this line's renaissance. His versatility and durability will make him one of the most important members of this team's offense in 2013. He's solid in both run and pass protection, and he'll be counted on to lead this offense from the trenches as a senior captain. With a big season, he could be the 'Dores highest drafted lineman since Chris Williams was a first round pick for the Bears in 2008.</p>
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<b>Joe Townsend</b> (C) - Townsend's season hit a high point when he was named the SEC lineman of the Week after he paved the way for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/79061/zac-stacy">Zac Stacy</a> to break the Vanderbilt all-time rushing record against Auburn. That came only three games into his career as a SEC starter, but the sophomore proved that he could maintain that pace as he finished up the season as one of the team's most consistent blockers. "JTown" has good size at center, and he's got all-SEC potential in a conference filled with future NFL linemen. He's not going to blow anyone away with his athleticism, but he's a strong, hardworking player who can pancake opposing linemen and create holes for his tailbacks. He's primed for a big season in 2013.</div>
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<p style="text-align: justify;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/138393/jake-bernstein">Jake Bernstein</a> (LG/RG) - Bernstein's rise as a starter coincided with Vanderbilt's seven-game winning streak to end last season, and he'll have the inside shot at earning one of the starting guard roles in 2013. The redshirt sophomore has an aggressive streak that makes him a good run blocker, and he's well suited on the interior of the line. He may not have the flexibility to seal off the edges at either tackle slot, but Bernstein is a steady guard who should improve considerably in his remaining three years of eligibility.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116259/andrew-bridges">Andrew Bridges</a> (RT) - Bridges began 2012 as a starter at right tackle, then ceded playing time when Wesley Johnson was moved to that slot. The redshirt junior is undersized at just 255 pounds, but he's a solid athlete and a strong blocker downfield. That makes him a good fit in Franklin's screen-heavy offense. His combination of strong hands and quick feet will make him an asset for the 'Dores, and he'll also pick up some snaps at tight end in the team's jumbo packages.</p>
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<p><b style="text-align: justify;"><i>The rising replacements:</i></b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158307/andrew-jelks">Andrew Jelks</a> (T/G) - Jelks is best known in Commodore country for being a touted in-state recruit with major Volunteer family ties...and then picking Vanderbilt over UT anyway. Jelks redshirted as a true freshman last season, but he was a constant presence on the team's depth chart, where <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115134/james-franklin">James Franklin</a> slated him as the next big thing at right tackle. The Paris, TN native has excellent height (6'6") and his athleticism has earned him praise on the practice field despite his relative rawness. He gained 15 pounds this offseason and could be making a major run at a starting role at one of the tackle positions this summer.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116264/chase-white">Chase White</a> (T/G) - White has the experience edge when it comes to filling <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38457/josh-jelesky">Josh Jelesky's</a> spot at guard, and those extra reps could also put him alongside Wesley Johnson at tackle in 2013. White began his redshirt freshman season in 2011 as a starter, but was replaced in the overhaul that eventually led to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116241/jordan-rodgers">Jordan Rodgers</a> being installed at quarterback. He's been a background player since then, but he's still a young player with the chance to make an impact as the season draws near.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/138395/spencer-pulley">Spencer Pulley</a> (C) - Pulley started 2012 as the team's center, but was replaced by Joe Townsend five games into the season. With Josh Jelesky and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38447/ryan-seymour">Ryan Seymour</a> leaving starting roles behind, Pulley will have the opportunity to regain a spot with the first team at a different position. If he remains at center, he'll provide key depth for the team in 2013, especially with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158313/adam-butler">Adam Butler</a> moving to the defensive side of the ball.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158312/blake-fromang">Blake Fromang</a> (T/G)- at 6'7" and nearly 300 pounds, Fromang has the size to make an impact, but his lack of experience may hold him back. The second-year player has displayed a mean streak and finishes his blocks well, but he may still need time to adjust to the speed of SEC play. Even so, Franklin hasn't been shy about throwing young players into the fire at offensive line, and Fromang could be the second member of the class of 2012 behind Jelks to see action.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158315/kevin-mccoy">Kevin McCoy</a> (T/G) - Like Fromang, McCoy is another redshirt freshman who has the size and talent to make a splash from the first game of the season onward. The Floridian showed off some explosive blocking on the practice field, and his ability to recover quickly could be a key factor in vying for one of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/british-open">the open</a> spots amongst the starting OL.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>The Young Guns:</i></b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158310/barrett-gouger">Barrett Gouger</a> (6'4", 285) is a developing in-state talent that could contribute in his first year of eligibility at one of the interior positions. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/158314/will-holden">Will Holden</a> (6'6", 302) has the length to be an effective tackle, but may need more seasoning before making a splash for Vandy. <b>Delando Crooks</b> (6'5", 290) and <b>Sean Dowling</b> (6'6", 280) are true freshmen are both in need of some time in the weight room before taking on SEC defenses. However, Crooks could make a splash as a run-blocker on the interior if Vanderbilt needs more depth. <b>Ryan Brockway </b>(6'5", 290) isn't a young gun, but the senior walk-on could see some snaps in an expanded role this season.</p>
https://www.anchorofgold.com/2013/7/25/4552730/vanderbilt-football-2013-position-previews-offensive-line-wesley-johnsonChristian D'Andrea