Vanderbilt didn’t have a bevy of freshmen that produced in 2015 like some of the other SEC squads.

But there were a few rookies that showed flashes, providing promise for the future.

Lets take a look at Vanderbilt’s freshmen contributions of 2015:

Player Position Starts Games Played
Kyle Shurmur QB 5 5
Bailey Granier OL 3 6
Khari Blasingame LB 0 11
Josh Crawford RB 0 6

When looking at the 2015 recruiting class, Vanderbilt had little production from its recruits right away. Shumur had the most production and began to gain steam toward the end of the year.

OFFENSIVE IMPACT

Let’s face it. Shurmur didn’t live up to the hype right away. But as the season progressed and he began to get more playing time, the four-star prospect from 2015 showed ability. His best game came at the right time. In Vanderbilt’s last contest of the season on the road against an impressive Tennessee squad, Shurmur threw for 209 yards, three touchdowns and just one interception. That game will likely spark confidence moving forward. He should be the starting quarterback in 2016 and will only keep improving.

Helping protect Shurmur was OL Bailey Granier. He had a strong showing when he hit the field in the second half of the year. He played in the final six games, earning three starts at right tackle.

Overall, Granier participated in 192 total snaps and recorded six pancake blocks. He is a projected starter for 2016 and seems more than capable.

As a true freshman in 2015, Jordan Crawford made the most of his limited opportunities behind Ralph Webb and Dallas Rivers in a deep running back rotation. He saw action in seven games, finishing the season with 55 rushing yards on 18 carries and 11 receiving yards on two catches. Crawford’s role in the Commodores offense will only increase.

DEFENSIVE IMPACT

Vanderbilt’s defense was crowded with upperclassmen.

Khari Blasingame  was primarily a special teams player as a redshirt freshman in 2015. Blasingame played in 11 games and also saw the field at inside linebacker. He finished the season with 13 tackles, eight solo stops. Blasingame will likely take on a larger role in 2016 serving as Zach Cunningham’s backup.

OVERALL

Overall, the Vanderbilt freshman class underachieved in 2015. The Commodores’ top two prospects, Josh Smith and Donovan Sheffield produced very little. Derek Mason’s group was heavy with upperclassmen and the freshmen didn’t play much. Shurmur looks to have a promising future if he keeps the momentum from last season and the Vanderbilt offensive line improves Mason will likely give the defensive prospects larger roles next year.