During Woody Widenhofer’s tenure as both defensive coordinator and head
coach, Vanderbilt has typically boasted a strong defense and problematic
offense. But in 2000, the wheels came off everything at once. Vanderbilt
finished in the bottom third in the SEC in all major statistical categories but
two. For Widenhofer to keep his job past 2001, the Commodores must improve all
aspects of their play.
OFFENSE
Vanderbilt has sold out to the spread offense, and it was in the passing
category (4th in the SEC in 2000) where the Commodores found their
only real glimmer of success. Expect much of the same in 2001, although speedy
Ray Perkins gives them an extra weapon in the backfield.
QUARTERBACKS
Greg Zolman won’t make you forget Joe Namath or Joe Montana, but he gets
the job done. Zolman passed for 2,441 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2000, but also
threw 14 interceptions. He needs to cut that number if Vandy is to improve.
Zolman has average arm strength and does not scramble particularly well.
Vanderbilt boasts very good depth behind him, however. Sophomore Benji Walker is
a star in the coaches’ eyes, while Tim Olmstead has game experience.
RUNNING BACKS
Vanderbilt uses no real fullback, although signee Matthew Tant, arguably the
jewel of Vandy’s 2001 signing class, could change that. Not considering Tant,
Vanderbilt should be okay at running back with the speedy Ray Perkins and the
experienced Rodney Williams. Perkins has game-breaking speed and potential.
Williams had a very disappointing 2000 (2.9 yards per carry, 1 touchdown), but
has the talent to bounce back. The fact that the Commodores were dead last in
the SEC in rushing offense, though, is not simply a function of the spread
offense – simply put, the players must improve their performance.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Dan Stricker is quietly becoming a real nuisance for opposing defensive
coordinators. His size (6’3", 200 lbs.) combined with his good hands and
route discipline make him the perfect possession receiver. But Stricker also has
the speed to get behind the defense, and is a fierce competitor. Tom Simone, who
played the fullback-tight end hybrid H-back position in 2000, will move to tight
end full-time to replace the steady Elliot Carson. Anthony Jones, M.J. Garrett
and Chris Young are the favorites to line up next to Stricker, although Ronald
Hatcher, Ryan Cuffee and Everett Robinson also have experience. Vanderbilt is
deep, and the talent isn’t bad, but no returning receiver came within 800
yards of Stricker’s team-leading 994 receiving yards in 2000.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Center Jamie Byrum returns, as does guard Jim May. Both are good players, but
the surrounding cast is iffy. Left tackle Jordan Pettit has potential, but is
just a sophomore. Pat Green returns at right tackle, but he sacrifices quickness
for size. Jason Tant and Brent Peacher are the most experienced of the second-teamers.
Overall, there are at least as many questions as answers with this group, who
must provide better run blocking in 2001.
DEFENSE
Vanderbilt will accentuate its strength – the linebacking corps – while
trying to find a way to improve its pass rush. Vanderbilt’s talent limitations
are most evident on this side of the ball, where speedy players are rare.
DEFENSIVE LINE
The answer: One. The question: How many sacks did Vanderbilt’s defensive
line account for in 2000? Only Doyle Crosby found out what it is like to flatten
a quarterback, and the coaches hope he wants more of the experience. Crosby has
talent, but needs to lose weight to maximize his effectiveness. Wally Conyers
also returns; both he and Crosby are three-letter seniors. Brett Beard is the
new man in the middle, but he is a little smallish to hold down nose tackle
responsibilities in a 3-4 set. Simply put, Vanderbilt must get a better push
from their front three if they are to improve their defensive stats (11th
in total defense, 11th against the run, and 8th against
the pass in the SEC).
LINEBACKERS
Even with the losses of Jamie Winborn and Matt Stewart to the NFL, Vanderbilt
should be able to field a competent group. Outside linebacker Nate Morrow
becomes the point man for Vandy, but the underrated Antuian Bradford is the
player most opposing offenses will come to know. Hunter Hillenmeyer and Libnir
Telusca will compete for the other outside slot, while Mike Adam leads Pat
Brunner and Doug Wolford for the other inside position. Vandy has a good track
record at developing linebackers, and the trend should continue.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
The loss of Jimmy Williams to the pros is significant. Rushen Jones is now
likely the top defender; he has speed to burn but needs to play more
consistently. Harold Lercius won’t embarrass you as a strong safety. Justin
Giboney is listed as the starter at free safety, but either Jonathan Shaub or
Jerrol Jackson could end up with the position before the season starts. Aaron
McWhorter was a recruiting prize for Vandy when he signed. He’ll take over
Williams’ cornerback slot. Although questions are many, this group has a
promising upside.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The kicking job will go to a true freshman, Lance Garner. Garner might
challenge returning starter Joe Webb for the punting duties as well. Webb
averaged less than 39 yards per kick in 2000, unacceptable for SEC-level play.
Ray Perkins could be a weapon as a return man, if Vanderbilt can give him enough
blocking.
OVERALL
Vanderbilt underachieved badly in 2000. On one hand, that’s a bad thing,
but at least it is a sign that Vandy fans can begin to expect some level of real
performance from their team. Getting the sixth win they need for a bowl game
this year, however, would require a lot of luck. The Commodores simply haven’t
proven they can either run well enough to support their passing game, or stop
the opponent’s rushing game. That means certain death in most college football
circles.
