Saturday Blitz
Fansided

National Signing Day 2016: Ranking and grading each SEC football recruiting class

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Feb 3, 2016; Gordo, AL, USA; Gordo High School linebacker Ben Davis fields questions after committing to the Alabama Crimson Tide at the University of Alabama during national signing day at Gordo High School. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 3, 2016; Gordo, AL, USA; Gordo High School linebacker Ben Davis fields questions after committing to the Alabama Crimson Tide at the University of Alabama during national signing day at Gordo High School. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 15
Next
Oct 3, 2015; Murfreesboro, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores helmet on the sideline during the second half against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium. Vanderbilt won 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Murfreesboro, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores helmet on the sideline during the second half against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Johnny “Red” Floyd Stadium. Vanderbilt won 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

Vanderbilt is consistently one of the worst recruiters in the SEC though the Commodores have made strides under head coach Derek Mason. The 2016 Vandy recruiting class features 19 signees, including four-star cornerback Joejuan Williams and 16 three-star prospects.

Instant Impact Performer: CB Joejuan Williams

Vanderbilt returns three of four starters in the secondary from the 2015 squad, including both cornerbacks, but it will be difficult to keep Williams off the field as a true freshman. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, Williams has a perfect frame for matching up with big receivers, and as the No. 211 overall player and No. 18 corner in the nation according to 247Sports, he’s got the talent as well.

Underrated Signee: DE Andre Mintze

Undersized for a defensive end at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, Mintze is just a two-star prospect according to 247Sports. However, he has better than expected strength and explosiveness and a quick first step that should help him to develop into a productive pass rusher in time. Depending on how much weight he adds in college, Mintze could develop into an every-down defensive end, or could be valuable as an outside linebacker in Mason’s 3-4 scheme.

Unanswered Question: Are there any playmakers?

Mason made his reputation as Stanford’s defensive coordinator, and the Commodores took a huge step forward in 2015 when Mason took over as Vandy’s defensive play-caller, jumping to No. 6 in the SEC in total defense (350.2 total yards allowed per game) after shaving off more than 50 total yards from 2014’s average. However, the offense continued to struggle.

Vanderbilt has a solid core of starters in running back Ralph Webb, receiver Trent Sherfield, and Darrius Sims and C.J. Duncan have potential – but the Commodores must develop playmakers to become bowl eligible in 2016. Can one of three three-star wideouts – Jackson Winrow, Kalija Limpscomb, or Donaven Tennyson – step up and make big plays as a true freshman that help the ‘Dores develop into a more dynamic unit?

Complete 2016 Vanderbilt Football Recruiting Class:

Final Thoughts: There’s promise in this class, as the Commodores were ranked among the nation’s top 50 according to 247Sports, and ahead of division rival Missouri. The class is very solid in defensive backs with Williams, safety Zaire Jones and corners Frank Coppet and Elijah Hamilton, and there are a few quality offensive linemen in the group as well. However, there is still a large gap between Vandy and the top of the SEC East.

Next: Missouri

Home/Alabama Crimson Tide