Vanderbilt Football Recruiting: Breaking Down National Signing Day Haul

The Vanderbilt Commodores are experiencing a football revival under coach James Franklin, and the team has hauled in quite a nice recruiting class in 2013.

With national signing day taking place on Wednesday, the program finally received letters of intent from a number of top recruits and looks to have a bright future ahead.

Let’s take a look at some of the key prospects who should soon be starring in Nashville.

Jordan Cunningham, WR

This Fort Lauderdale, Florida native made it clear that his commitment to Vanderbilt is about much more than football, but he’s still going to be a major asset when he gets on the field.

247Sports lists Cunningham as a 4-star recruit via composite rankings, and he’s one of the top-300 players in the entire nation. The 6’3”, 175-pound wideout is an absolute threat with his speed, athleticism and ability to track the ball.

The one major concern with the University School of Nova South product is his lanky frame, which shows he absolutely needs to hit the weight room and get on the Commodores' meal plan immediately.

Regardless, this kid looks like he’s going to be a star for the next few years and will help Vanderbilt stay competitive in the tough SEC.

DeAndre Woods, WR

If Cunningham is the king of Franklin’s national signing day haul, Woods can be considered the prince. 247Sports grades this receiver as a 3-star prospect and the No. 56 overall player at his position in the nation in its composite rankings.

Woods is another big wideout (6’3”, 210 pounds) who will create plenty of mismatches on the field when lined up across from Cunningham. His speed leaves something to be desired, but he does his best to make up for it with brute strength and physical toughness, which makes him a feared blocker when asked to do so.

The young man isn’t going to be the star of many highlight reels, but Woods is a good north-to-south runner and understands basic routes well. He’s a blue-collar WR, but that’s exactly what the Commodores need as a potential No. 2 or No. 3 in the receiving corps.

This Clay-Chalkville product from Alabama could quickly become a sneaky great part of the Vanderbilt offense.

 

Tre Bell, CB

Coach Franklin was fortunate enough to nab a pair of top-tier receivers, and he also found a cornerback who can help shut down opposing wideouts.

Bell is a 3-star recruit (as per 247Sports' composite rankings) from Jersey City and honed his skills at St. Peters Prep. He’s a pure athlete who has great instinct and range for his position, with his height (5’11”) and weight (165 pounds) being the biggest issues going into his freshman year at Vanderbilt.

If Bell can bulk up and bring some size to fit his intense and hard-hitting style of play, he will quickly be a contributor to this program.

We imagine someone who brings so much passion to the game and has this much athleticism will find a way to make an impact when he gets a chance to get out there and play ball for the Commodores.