July 25, 2016
The Vanderbilt offensive backfield features two quarterbacks with starting experience and four leading rushers back from a year ago.
Much has changed for second-year Commodore offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig, who managed to develop several quality playmakers last year from an offensive backfield that ranked among the Southeastern Conference’s least experienced units.
This year, Ludwig also has new quarterback and running back coaches. Gerry Gdowski, a longtime quarterback coach and coordinator at Ohio University, will mentor Commodore signal callers. First-year Vanderbilt coach Jeff Genyk, a former collegiate head coach, will guide the running back corps.
Gdowski expects projected starting quarterback Kyle Shurmur to be much improved in his second year on campus. Shurmur played a substantial role as a true freshman in 2015, throwing for 503 yards and five touchdowns in five starting assignments. Two of Shurmur’s starts also resulted in conference wins over Missouri and Kentucky.
Shurmur, the son of a former National Football League head coach, grew as a team leader as the 2015 season endured, then took the offensive reins during an impressive spring performance.
Wade Freebeck (R-So.) gives the Commodores a second quarterback with starting experience. A four-game starter in 2014, the strong-armed Freebeck impressed during Spring Ball, displaying excellent knowledge of Ludwig’s scheme.
Shawn Stankavage (R-So.) continued to develop last spring. He brings a dual-threat ability to the corps. Freshman Deuce Wallace, a 2016 signee, also participated in spring after enrolling in classes last January.
The strength of the backfield could be the running back corps where record-breaking Ralph Webb (R-Jr.) leads a solid contingent.
Webb has smashed freshman and sophomore rushing records the last two years, and sits No. 8 all-time on the team’s all-time career charts. With 2,059 rushing yards, the Doak Walker Award candidate he also ranks fourth among active SEC backs.
Two top reserve backs from last year, Dallas Rivers (Jr.) and Josh Crawford (So.), also return for the Commodores. Rivers is the team’s most experienced back besides Webb, having rushed for 401 yards and three touchdowns on 121 career carries. A hand injury limited Crawford’s production as a true freshman in 2015.
Former linebacker Khari Blasingame (R-So.) made a huge impression last spring as a prospective running back. Blasingame potentially brings a physical presence to the Commodore running game.
Jaire George (R-Fr.) and 2016 signee Jamauri Wakefield are also candidates at running back. George, the son of former Heisman Trophy winner and Tennessee Titans’ standout Eddie George, could be a fall surprise after missing the 2015 season with injury. Wakefield is an impressive prospect that has impressed teammates during summer conditioning.
The Commodores will open the regular season by hosting SEC East opponent South Carolina on Thursday, Sept. 1 in Vanderbilt Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT. Besides South Carolina, the Commodores also host Middle Tennessee on Sept. 10, Florida on Oct. 1, Tennessee State for homecoming on Oct. 22, Ole Miss on Nov. 19, and Tennessee on Nov. 26.
Season tickets are available, starting at $135 for end-zone locations and only $250 for premium sideline seats in Vanderbilt Stadium. Tickets can be purchased online or via the phone at (615) 322-GOLD (4653). The Vanderbilt Ticket Office also is open during regular hours on weekends in McGugin Athletics Center, 2601 Jess Neely Drive, Nashville.
