James Franklin laid a blueprint, and Derek Mason has showed potential, especially on defense, to return Vanderbilt to its program-best back-to-back nine-win level the program enjoyed in 2012 and 2013.

And while the Commodores have bona fide stars on offense and defense in Ralph Webb and Zach Cunningham, there are questions at quarterback and in terms of consistency as Mason begins his third season in Nashville.

RELATED: What SEC coaches can learn from defensive guru Derek Mason

Here are five ways to make Vanderbilt great again.

1. A strong defense must take over

Ranked seventh or better last season in the SEC in four defensive categories, a popular opinion is Vanderbilt has a defense that’s worthy of a bowl berth. While they made subtle changes, like moving Oren Burks from the secondary to linebacker, the Commodores return the majority of the defense, especially the front seven.

When Mason took over the defensive coordinator duties, Vanderbilt improved from allowing 33 points per game two years ago to 21. While on its own, the unit could measure up with others around the league, the challenge is it might have to steal a game or two, particularly in several manageable road games.

2. Reach Ralph Webb’s maximum potential

On one hand, it’s difficult to see Webb having a better season than last year when he started in all 12 games at tailback and brought his consecutive starts streak to 24.

Oct 24, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores running back Ralph Webb (7) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Vanderbilt Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

He hit a sophomore record with 1,152 rushing yards, the second highest total in team history. He’s firmly on path to break Zac Stacy’s program record for career yards.

But the upcoming season is the second for offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig. Along with new wrinkles, Ludwig should deploy with Webb, there’s also the addition to the backfield of converted linebacker Khari Blasingame. The idea is Blasingame should be a full-time substitute for Webb, which could keep him fresh.

3. Offensive development beyond Webb

One of Vanderbilt’s biggest additions is wide receiver C.J. Duncan, who missed last season with a torn Achilles. He was the team’s best receiver two years ago with 28 catches for 441 yards. He was consistent in 2014 as he had at least one catch in 10 games, and at least two catches in eight games.

If Duncan returns to that form (and gets some help from freshman receiver Kalija Lipscomb), the offense could have some diversity beyond Webb. And all that doesn’t mention that last season’s leading receiver, Trent Sherfield, returns after 51 catches for 659 yards.

4. Kyle Shurmur stabilizes QB position

The sophomore quarterback beat Missouri and Kentucky after he replaced previous starter Johnny McCrary, and finished 2-3 as a starter before transferring.

But quarterbacks haven’t exactly excelled under Mason, and Shurmur hasn’t had enough sample size to develop any confidence yet.

His last two games, losses against Texas A&M and Tennessee, he went 18-for-46 for 228 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. The more Shurmur plays like he did against Missouri and Kentucky, the better chance Vanderbilt has to return to a bowl.

5. Find, develop lesser known recruits

Webb is the most well-known of Franklin’s recruiting haul in the 2013 class, but there were some other key players, and multi-year starters like Burks and Duncan who helped make the class No. 26 in the nation, according to 247 Sports.

Linebacker Zach Cunningham was an All-SEC selection last year, and among several key contributors of the strong defense last year that return. While Cunningham was a four-star recruit, Mason must find several three-stars who outperform their ranking, just like the 2013 prospects Webb, Duncan and Burks.