July 8, 2016
Head Coach Derek Mason has assembled an impressive list of talent evaluators and recruiting specialists that he believes will lead to an improved Commodore roster for years to come.
Mason unveiled the program’s new player personnel department staff today, an impressive five-member team to be directed by former University of Nebraska administrator and Nashville area native Austen Everson.
In addition to Everson, who will serve as Director of Player Personnel, Mason announced Eric Lammers as Director of Recruiting, and Corey Phillips and Donielle White as Assistant Recruiting Coordinators. Andrea Poole Cain, a veteran staffer, will serve as Director of Recruiting Relations.
Mason believes the expanded player personnel department will bring an innovative approach to directing the Commodores’ recruiting, roster management and talent evaluation efforts.
“I couldn’t be more excited to have these talented individuals joining our program,” Mason said. “They’re my ‘Dream Team’ because each brings tremendous abilities, energy and enthusiasm to Vanderbilt University. They are going to help us strengthen our roster by attracting Vanderbilt Men to West End.
“This will be an innovative approach that is tailored to help us attract the very best to Vanderbilt. Going forward, we will better focus on all areas of the recruiting process – early evaluation, fit, strong relationships and character – to make sure we maximize all of our 85 scholarships,” Mason added.
Since arriving on campus two years ago, Mason has looked to rebuild the team’s recruiting program. He started the process by bringing Lammers, Phillips and White on board in recent months. The final piece to Mason’s recruiting restructure was luring Everson, a former standout prep and collegiate quarterback from the Middle Tennessee region, from the Tennessee Titans to guide the department.
“Austen is a huge get for Vanderbilt University. He has roots in the area, knows the region extremely well, was a leader and winner on the field, and was very successful during his time with the University of Nebraska. He’s an impressive young man and will be a tremendous leader for the department,” Mason said.
Everson was the All-Midstate Player of the Year as quarterback at Brentwood High School near Nashville. In college, he was a two-time captain and four-year letterwinner as a quarterback at Ohio University. At Nebraska, he served in several roles, including four years as director of high school relations.
Lammers brings knowledge of the Commodores to the director of recruiting position, having worked as a Vanderbilt player personnel assistant from 2012-14.
“Eric is an invaluable asset to this staff. He’s extremely knowledgeable about how the process works on campus. More importantly, he knows me well and he has a great understanding of what I’m looking for in future Vanderbilt student-athletes,” Mason said.
In Phillips and White, Mason has young staffers that bring tremendous enthusiasm and appeal to the staff.
“In a very short time, Corey and Donielle have been extremely impressive. They have fit in well, brought energy, and great ideas to the program. I’ve also been very impressed with their abilities to build strong relationships since accepting our positions,” Mason said.
Cain has played a critical role in Vanderbilt’s recruiting effort for more than two decades, assisting with the admissions process and building strong ties with parents of prospective recruits.