Vanderbilt historically has ranked at, or near the bottom, among SEC recruiting rankings. And despite that, the Commodores pulled off plenty of upsets and other big wins in recent years. So it’s not much of a concern that the Commodores largely have a recruiting class stocked with 3-star prospects again this year.

Derek Mason, and coaching staffs before him, have consistently coached up these overlooked or under-ranked recruits. For the past five recruiting cycles, Vanderbilt has averaged a national ranking of No. 51 in the 247Sports Composite ratings. For example, in the recent win over Tennessee, Vanderbilt deployed 4 4-star players, 16 3-star players, 1 2-star player and 1 unrated player.

Even given that level, QB Kyle Shurmur, TE Jared Pinkney, RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn and CB Joejuan Williams could end up in the NFL next season.

The Commodores are working to fill those voids. The class includes quarterback Jamil Muhammad, who missed all of the 2017 season with a torn ACL. And the ‘Dores are in the mix to land record-breaking Ball State graduate transfer Riley Neal.

The Early Signing Period runs Dec. 19-21. To restock the depth chart, here are five recruits to help immediately:

Daevion Davis, DL

If his frame doesn’t do it, at 6-1, 315 pounds, Davis’ high school coach can step in to explain. Not only is he considered one of the best D-lineman in the state of Alabama, and was a finalist for 7A Lineman of the Year in 2017, James Clemens coach Wade Waldrop put it this way, to AL.com: “‘Either he’s going to be on your team, or you’re going to be playing against him on Saturday at 2:30,'” Waldrop tells coaches, referring to the SEC on CBS game. “That’s how it’s going to be.”

Brayden Bapst, OT

With three senior starters on the offensive line (and a fourth as a backup), Vanderbilt will go through some transition in the next year. Bapst, at 6-8 and 246 pounds, has the frame to one day be an offensive tackle. But that won’t happen as a freshman, not at that weight. Instead, look for him to transition to the interior of the line while he gains bulk and gets his feet wet. His versatility could help as he’s listed as a tight end as a prospect, but is expected to play offensive line.

Kendall Young, OLB

A top-10 player from the state of Arkansas, Young also drew offers from Arkansas and Missouri when he committed to Vanderbilt. Versatility is also the name of his game, as he is a hybrid DE/OLB type depending on the defensive scheme. There’s only one other player committed at his position in this class, and the Commodores lose three players from the starting front seven.

Young, who is 6-5, 215, has a projectable frame that is nearly SEC ready.

Delbert Mimms, RB

A top 20 prospect from the state of Indiana, Mimms will help restock the backfield with the departure of Blassingame, and possibly Ke’Shawn Vaughn. Not only is there the likely possibility of playing multiple running backs, Vanderbilt has, more often than not in recent years, had multiple backs contribute more than one touchdown. This past season, Vanderbilt had 17 TDs from four players.

Julian Hernandez, OL

Unlike Bapst, Hernandez has already developed a college frame at 6-2 1/2 and 294 pounds. He’s a bit on the short side for an offensive lineman, but it’s similar to Bruno Reagan, who’s already on the roster, and has started 39 consecutive games. This is the fourth consecutive year Vanderbilt has landed a recruit from prep powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. So the coaching staff should have a pulse on the development expectations. The four departing seniors also open the door for early playing time.