Tre Bell discusses switch to Vandy

Three-star cornerback Tre Bell out of Jersey City (N.J.) St. Peter's Prep made a somewhat surprising switch over the weekend. The 5-foot-11, 170-pounder changed from a pledge to Florida to Vanderbilt.

"I committed Saturday night from Florida to Vanderbilt," he said. "It all started when I began to look back at my options and look more academically. I know Vanderbilt is a very class academic school. They never stopped recruiting me. I just got a really good feel for the coaches and decided to switch my commitment.

"Florida is a great school. I thought more academically though with this decision. I had a fun time being a Gator for four months, but academically I'm looking at the bigger picture and what I am going to do after football."

Meanwhile, what's his feeling on Vanderbilt?

"You know, I see that they are on the rise," he said. "I believe in their coaches and what Coach Franklin is doing. He's getting the best student athletes in his program and trying to keep building. They aren't at the height of football, but on the come up. They are going to do big things in the future."

Regarding the staff, Bell is excited.

"They are all energetic, great guys," he said. "They were very excited for my commitment. I can see that they are really in tune and will get the best out of you. I think that's what I need."

Interestingly, Bell has yet to visit Nashville despite making the switch.

"I haven't gotten a chance to visit yet, but I've heard great things about it," he said. "I feel that Vanderbilt is a great school and what I've been hearing, my mother has family out in Tennessee not far from Vanderbilt. My mother was there not too long ago. I plan to visit, but I have no idea when."

Overall, Bell is thrilled with his choice.

"I'm just ready to be a Commodore," he said. "I'm ready to finish my senior season solid and then start out with a bang when I go to Vanderbilt. I'm ready to work hard."