Vanderbilt trying to keep 2019 DB Adonis Otey close to home

The Latest: Vanderbilt's 2017 commitment list doesn't include one player from the Volunteer state, something that is a byproduct of the school's efforts to recruit nationally. But with so many top players emerging from the Nashville are, the Commodores coaches are already laying the groundwork with some of the city's top underclassmen. One of those players is Class of 2019 prospect Adonis Otey, who was on campus to witness the Commodores season-defining victory over Tennessee. Rivals.com caught up with Otey to talk about the Commodores.

In His Words: "I talk to Coach Mattioli and I’ve been talking to him a little bit more lately. I went to the Tennessee game and watched them win that one. That was a big win for their program. It showed me they are ready to go and they should be able to carry that momentum into next season. They are building something there and we’ll see how they keep going. My parents would like it if I stayed close to home so I’ll be back there for a visit in the spring and see how things are going."

Rivals Reaction: The Commodores have established a defensive identify under Derek Mason that is catching the eye of prospects in the Southeast. Staying on Otey and continuing to make him a priority will only pay dividends down the road.