Vanderbilt Assistant Herb Hand Making 'Chopped' Would Be Huge for 'Dores

In recruiting, it's all about making an impression.

One Vanderbilt assistant coach could be making quite a unique impression soon.

Commodore offensive line coach Herb Hand has been named a finalist to be on the cast of the Food Network show, Chopped.

Hand tweeted a screen shot of an email he received from the show.

"

It just got REAL up in here! #Chopped #BringOnTheBaskets pic.twitter.com/g2Y8jW3Rey

— Herb Hand (@CoachHand) June 26, 2013"

But he's not just focused on making the cut, Hand is already planning a celebration in the most SEC way possible.

"

When I win the dessert round, I'm leading @ChopTedAllen in an 'ESS EEE CEE' chant while flashing the VU hand sign. #ANCHORDOWN

— Herb Hand (@CoachHand) June 26, 2013"

"Cooking is one of my true passions," he said. "I love making good food for people. Whether it's my family, friends or players, I truly enjoy serving a great meal. I look forward to the opportunity to compete."

The reality show pits four contestants against each other in timed cooking challenges with set ingredients designed to test their creativity and efficiency. Hand is still receiving details on the next steps in the process, but CoachingSearch.com notes that the show is taped in Denver.

If he were to make the cut, can you imagine the exposure he would receive for the program? The show routinely lands in the ratings of the weekly top 100 cable shows, and consistently draws over one million viewers.

Will that register with high school prospects? 

It couldn't hurt.

It'd provide head coach James Franklin with another opportunity to promote the product on a national and unique level. Plus, for college football, it'd attract an audience that may not necessarily be familiar with the sport.

It's an interesting situation, and hopefully Hand can make it into the cast and display his cooking talents to the rest of the country.

*Barrett Sallee is the lead SEC college football writer for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained firsthand.

Follow @BarrettSallee