Wakefield makes early impression at Vandy

HOOVER, Ala. – Coming off of a 4-8 season that featured just two conferences wins, Vanderbilt is one of the SEC programs that could most use an influx of young talent. The Commodores welcomed in a recruiting class that featured just one prospect (defensive back JoeJuan Williams) that was rated higher than three stars.

Still, expectations for freshman have been created. At SEC media Day, a pair of current Vanderbilt players weighed in on which players they expect to have the biggest impact. Their responses are below.

Junior running back Ralph Webb

“Jamauri Wakefield, the running back for us. He’s a very big guy. He’s like 6-foot-2, 220 [pounds]. I definitely think he’s going to be a key piece as far as depth goes at the running back position.”

“On defense, I really haven’t seen that much from the freshmen yet, but they have been playing and they have been hitting. We have JoeJuan Williams and Zaire Jones. They’ve been around since January. They were here early and have done some great things. They’ve matured a lot since they’ve gotten here.”

Junior linebacker Zach Cunningham

“I’m not exactly sure on the new guys. I’ve seen some good stuff out of them, but I’m not sure if I can pinpoint who is going to make the biggest impact.”

“I know Kyle Shurmur isn’t really a new guy. He’s going into his sophomore year, but he has impressed me how he has stepped up as a player and how he has elevated his game.”