July 27, 2016
The Commodores return three starters and a dozen letterwinners in an improved receiving corps that looks for further development this year.
Seven of the team’s top eight aerial targets are back for offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig and wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton. The corps also is bolstered by the return of a top performer in 2014 that missed all of last year with injury.
Juniors Trent Sherfield and Caleb Scott are the top returning wide receivers from a year ago. The pair both enjoyed career years in 2015, combining for 75 catches, 998 receiving yards and five touchdowns as first-time starters. Sherfield was the team’s most productive wideout a year ago, earning All-SEC consideration by registering 51 receptions, 659 receiving yards and three TDs. Scott was the team’s third leading receiver, averaging 14.1 yards on 24 catches.
C.J. Duncan’s effectiveness during Spring Ball was a big lift for the entire offense. Duncan, a junior who topped the squad with 441 receiving yards in 2014, was one of the team’s most productive players in spring drills after missing the entire 2015 season after suffering an injury in summer camp.
Seniors Latevius Rayford and Darrius Sims could develop into top playmakers in their final season as Commodores. Rayford is the team’s active leader with 57 career receptions, and looks to rebound after posting just 19 catches in 2015. Sims is one of the most versatile Commodores, and will should be more comfortable than ever in his second year as a wideout. Last year, Sims averaged 11.0 yards as a receiver.
Two more veterans, senior Chandler Dorrell and junior Trey Ellis, bring more depth at wide receiver.
Any of three true freshmen wideouts – Kalija Lipscomb, Donaven Tennyson and Jackson Winrow – could work their way into playing roles this season by impressing coaches in August.
At tight end, the Commodores are excited to see the development of several quality prospects who played last year in the shadow of two-year starter Steven Scheu.
With Scheu now competing for a roster spot with the New England Patriots, Nathan Marcus (R-Jr.) is the most likely to fill the starting role. Marcus was one of the team’s most improved offensive players during Spring Ball, becoming a reliable aerial target and developing as a solid blocker in the run game.
Senior Sean Dowling and junior DeAndre Woods are compete with Marcus, with each bringing unique skills to the role. While Dowling possesses the physicality and attitude needed to help the Commodore rushing attack, Woods has the ability to create big plays as a receiver, exhibited by averaging 18.4 yards on seven receptions that came early in the 2015 campaign.
Coaches expect to see more production from a trio of young tight ends – Kyle Anderton (So.), Sam Dobbs (So.) and Jared Pinkney (R-Fr.). Dobbs and Anderton both contributed as true freshmen in 2015, and will compete for enhanced roles this fall. Pinkney is blessed with superb athletic skills and could easily develop into an offensive playmaker as he gains confidence with playing time.
The Commodores’ 2016 signing class also included Turner Cockrell as a tight end prospect.
Season ticket packages available
Vanderbilt will open the regular season by hosting Southeastern Conference 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 for the Commodore home slate 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.
