While Vanderbilt may lag behind its SEC brethren in the recruiting rankings, the Commodores still hold their own on a national level. Even coming off a 3-9 season, Vandy finished in the top 50 of the national recruiting rankings in 2015, bringing in a strong 18-man recruiting class that featured three four-star players.

As Mason continues to forge his path in the SEC, Vanderbilt is looking at its fair share of blue-chip prospects for its 2016 class. Here’s a look at some of the top players they’re recruiting.

Mason and his staff appear to be prioritizing trench players, with many of the top prospects the ‘Dores are recruiting playing along the offensive or defensive lines. Both lines struggled for Vandy in 2014, and Mason was able to bring in four total line players (three offensive, one defensive) in the 2015 class.

Vanderbilt could use help at the skill positions. While the Commodores have offers out to several wide receivers and playmakers, they lag behind many traditional football powerhouses in their chances of landing the majority of those players. One playmaker who appears very interested in furthering his football career and education at Vanderbilt  is Ikenna Okeke, a safety/receiver from nearby Smyrna, Tenn. Okeke has visited Vanderbilt three times since last fall.

  • Four-star CB Joejuan Williams, Hendersonville, Tenn. — unofficial visit in November 2014
  • Four-star OT Bryce Matthews, Brentwood, Tenn. — unofficial visit in November 2014
  • Four-star OT Nathan Smith, Murrieta, Calif.
  • Four-star DUAL QB Chazz Surratt, Denver, N.C.
  • Three-star OT Devin Cochran, Norcross, Ga.
  • Three-star WR/S Ikenna Okeke, Smyrna, Tenn. — unofficial visits in August, September and November 2014
  • Three-star S D.J. Morgan, Bellflower, Calif.
  • Three-star DT Jovan Swann, Greenwood, Ind. — unofficial visit in March 2015
  • Three-star S Austin Quillen, Jenks, Okla.
  • Three-star DT Josh Keeler, Orlando, Fla. — attended VU Junior Day in February 2015
  • Three-star OLB Stephen Moye, Lilburn, Ga.