Vanderbilt Commodores
Offensively the focus is on a trio of, if not four, pass catchers and a
single offensive lineman. Dan Stricker almost made a big mistake and left
for the draft last April but that Vandy intelligence helped steer him in the
right direction. Stricker is a nice size, active target that consistently finds
the open spot on the field and displays the ability to adjust and make all the
catches in contorted positions. He is a smart, tough football player but lacks
the great speed and also does a little too much body catching for our liking. A
good senior season and more importantly, fast workouts prior to next April,
could move him into the late part of the draft’s first day in 2003. Receiver MJ
Garrett displays the big play ability on occasion and has the strong hands
to pull the errant throw out of the air but his consistency is a fraction of
Stricker’s and Garrett needs a big senior campaign if he’s to get selected.
Tight end Tom Simone has adequate size and athleticism but is rarely a
part of the offense and looks like a developmental prospect right now while
another pass catcher, junior Chris Young, showed flashes of skill early
in his career but has seemingly dropped off the map. Lastly, guard Jim May
is a tough, strong lineman that blocks with solid fundamentals and is very
effective in confined quarters. His inability to play in space or cover any
amount of range will push him into the very late rounds. Senior center Jamie
Bynum is a solid pivot man but will get more looks for his long snapping
skills.
Vanderbilt has been known for defensive backs and tough, intelligent
linebackers. Both will be available from this program next April. Outside
linebacker Hunter Hillenmayer is a nice sized defender with growth
potential and already one that plays with good strength at the point of attack.
Hillenmayer displays smarts, range and works to get involved in the action.
Rarely off his feet he easily sheds blocks on his way to the action but is a
little stiff and lacks the quick, smooth change of direction when altering his
angle of attack. He could play over tight end in a four-three defense but we
feel his best position would be left outside linebacker in a three-four scheme.
Fast times will push him into the middle rounds next April. Rushen Jones
was injured last season but at the top of his game is one of the better corners
in the SEC. Should he meet expectations this season as a senior, Jones could be
one of the better secrets at cornerback.
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