The Vanderbilt Commodores finished 3-9 (0-8 SEC) in Derek Mason’s first season as head coach. Despite the team’s struggles, the Commodores saw solid performances from several players who should continue their development in 2015. Here’s a look at Vanderbilt’s five best returning players.

1. Nigel Bowden, LB: Bowden was the best player on Vanderbilt’s defense. The redshirt freshman finished with a team-best 78 tackles and averaged seven per game. Injuries slowed Bowden’s productivity late in the season, but he was still among the conference’s best linebackers. The 6-1, 245-pound Macon, Ga., native should add to his totals in 2015 after gaining a year of experience.

2. Ralph Webb, RB: Webb set the school freshman rushing record with 907 yards and four touchdowns on 212 carries. The Gainesville, Fla., native averaged 75.6 yards per game and 4.3 yards per carry. Webb finished tenth in the SEC in rushing yards and should continue his progress as one of the conference’s top running backs.

3. Torren McGaster, DB: McGaster excelled in several areas for the Vanderbilt defense. He was third in tackles with 66 and tied for a team-best two interceptions. McGaster also provided 3.5 tackles for loss, appearing in every game for the Commodores.

4. Steven Scheu, TE: Scheu was the Vanderbilt passing attack’s biggest weapon in 2014. The junior led with 525 yards and four touchdowns on 39 catches. Entering his senior year, Scheu looks to continue his individual success as a solid pass catcher. However, the Commodores must solve their quarterback questions before the season opener.

5. Stephen Weatherly, LB: Weatherly provided the Vanderbilt defense with its best pass rushing threat. The sophomore led in both sacks (4.5) and tackles for loss (12.5) in 2014. Weatherly added 55 tackles and averaged 4.6 per game.