Vanderbilt junior linebackers Oren Burks, Zach Cunningham and junior running back Ralph Webb were the three players selected to represent the 2016 Commodores, along with head coach Derek Mason – who was wearing a new suit jacket Monday.

Here’s what the three players had to say during their media availability Monday:

Junior linebacker Oren Burks

Opening statement:

“SEC Media Days is an awesome experience with all of the cameras and all of the lights, but at the end of the day you’re just really showing off your teammates and all the hard work we’ve been putting in [during the offseason]. I’m excited to be here. ”

On his new position:

“The Star position is a hybrid outside linebacker and safety position, so I’ll be a little bit closer to the ball and trying to make dynamic plays for the team. We have a lot of depth in the safety and corner positions, so I’m excited to come down to the linebacker position and try to make some plays for the team.”

On Derrick Mason being both the head coach and defensive coordinator:

“I think Coach Mason is one of the greatest defensive minds in the nation, so it’ll be just a matter of us learning his scheme. We’ve only used a percentage of the tools that he has in his toolbox but I’m excited to see what he does next year, especially with the different packages we have. By moving me around, as well as the other players he’ll be able to show off our strengths.”

On events in Dallas and Indianapolis:

“First of all, I feel that it’s terrible to see innocent people killed for no reason. Whether it’s African-Americans or cops, it doesn’t matter. We [as a country] need to have a sense of honor and respect for human life. I feel like that’s basically all that needs to be said. I’m using this platform to voice my opinion, but I feel that we as a country need to move forward towards world peace.”

Junior linebacker Zach Cunningham

On his versatility as a linebacker:

“I think a coach would be able to speak more on that than I would be able to. When I go out to play, I just try to do my best and that is all I strive to do.”

Mentality on defense going against SEC offenses:

“Coach Mason drives it into us to have that ‘destination defense.’ That relentless defense, that is what he preaches to us. Go out there and try to dominate, come out every week and enforce our will on every opponent.”

On Nick Chubb making an impact on him:

“His versatility, with their offensive line, they (Georgia) have a good line, and the way that he can hit holes and change direction really quick, that is one of the things that really struck me.”

On starting the season against South Carolina:

“That game will be really important for us. Just showing in the first game what we have been working on, training hard, getting together, getting onto the field, watching film on them basically every week. We’re getting prepared to show what we can do and give the fans something to look forward to.”

On being possibly underrated as a linebacker in the SEC:

“That isn’t something I really focus on, whether I’m underrated or not, I just want to go out there and play my best. I’m not really focused on being the guy that they write headlines about, I just want to go out there and do my best and show what I can do.”

Junior running back Ralph Webb

On being back at Media Days:

“I’m glad to be back. I’m glad y’all called me back and to be here to represent Vanderbilt with a couple of my teammates. I’m ready to have fun.”

On where he ranks himself among other running backs:

“I think I’m one of the best running backs in the SEC. I also play that way. I don’t see myself any less.”

On the opening game against South Carolina:

“It’s the first game of the season. I think every game is going to be a big game. It’s important to get the ball rolling, get momentum going and get the W.”

On balancing football and school:

“You just have to find a way to get it done. We have a lot of resources at Vanderbilt. We have tutors at the athletic department. Our guys help us through it. We definitely have the resources to get through it.”

On having personal goals:

“I do, but I would rather not display them right now. I just want to make sure we go out to each and every game and get the W.”

On opening on Thursday night:

“I think we’re ready to play whenever and wherever. We have to go out on the field and play. We have to go out, do our job and execute, especially with the offense. We have to get the momentum going [and] chains alive. Our defense will do a great job as they always do.”