Vanderbilt's 5 biggest offseason priorities
The Vanderbilt Commodores saw a disappointing turnout in head coach Derek Mason’s first season. The Commodores finished 3-9 (0-8 SEC) and looked abysmal in several areas. With the team falling short of a postseason berth, the focus now turns to the offseason. Vanderbilt must improve in several areas in order to compete in the SEC next season.
Here’s a look at the five biggest offseason priorities for the Commodores.
1. Hire coordinators: Vanderbilt has fired four assistant coaches in the past 10 days. The Commodores must find an offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, wide receivers coach and strength coach before the 2015 season and have limited options. Boise State’s Mike Sanford, a first-year coordinator that worked with Mason at Stanford, declined the position despite receiving a rumored doubled pay raise.
2. Gain commitments in recruiting class: Vanderbilt’s current class ranks No. 51 overall for the 2015 recruiting class, ranking No. 13 in the SEC. The Commodores have two four-star prospects and just 14 total commits with less than two months remaining before National Signing Day. For Vanderbilt to compete in the SEC, it will need to bring in the same level of talent as its counterparts. While the powerhouses dominate the recruiting trail, the Commodores have struggled to gain the commitments necessary to rebuild.
3. Solve QB battle: Vanderbilt made more than 10 QB changes before its final game against Tennessee. The Commodores started all four quarterbacks and never seemed to make a firm decision. The team needs to avoid any controversy in 2015 and find its starter prior to Week 1. Johnny McCrary and Patton Robinette provide the two best options, with both capturing wins in 2014.
4. Find a true No. 1 receiver: The Commodores saw little production from their wide receivers in 2014. Vanderbilt’s pass catchers struggled as the team failed to find consistency at quarterback. C.J. Duncan was second in receiving yards (441) to tight end Steven Scheu and tied the junior for a team-best four touchdowns. However, Duncan was the only wide receiver to record more than 100 yards in a game for the Commodores, a feat he accomplished once against Charleston Southern in Week 7.
5. Replace veteran linemen: Vanderbilt’s offensive line was its highest ranked position group in 2014. The o-line ranked No. 7 in tackles for loss allowed and No. 41 in sacks allowed. But with starting center Joe Townsend’s departure, as well as starting guards Spencer Pulley and Jake Bernstein entering their final seasons, the Commodores must prepare for the future and focus on signing offensive linemen in 2015.