Vanderbilt Football 2013 Spring Wrap Up.

Quick spring summary

The biggest takeaway was that Vanderbilt’s roster is deeper and stronger than ever before. The team’s backups and young players made huge impacts across the board, keeping pace with the starting unit in a spring game that traditionally has been more of a showcase for the first team.

While QB Austyn Carta-Samuels and RB Wesley Tate looked strong as potential starters for 2013, players like QB Johnny McCrary, WR Tip McKenzie, and RB Jerron Seymour proved that they can provide all the support this team needs to follow up on a nine-win season.

Even with Jordan Rodgers and Zac Stacy gone, the ‘Dores should be able to maintain a high level of play.

Name a few players who could have breakout seasons

Austyn Carta-Samuels is the team’s prohibitive starter at quarterback, but young players Patton Robinette and McCrary could push him for playing time, particularly if he’s ineffective early.

Waterbug-quick tailback Brian Kimbrow could shine in a feature role after playing as a change-of-pace player behind Zac Stacy and Wesley Tate in 2012.

Any number of talented young offensive linemen could make a big impact, and that includes players like Barrett Gouger, Will Holden, and Andrew Jelks.

Finally, Caleb Azubike turned some heads as a freshman in ’12. He’s only getting stronger, and he could wind up as one of the SEC’s most disruptive defensive ends by the end of 2013.

Position group grades

There weren’t any major head-turning performances in Vandy’s spring game. The defense lived up to expectations, and the way the deep end of the roster was able to keep up with the starters was encouraging. Overall, here’s my arbitrary assessment:

QB: B+

RB: B-   It would have been nice to see more production from Tate and Kimbrow.

WR: A

TE: C

OL: B

DE: B+

LB: B

DB: B

Special Teams: B+

What “surprises” can we expect from this team?

I think Vanderbilt, as a team that’s currently sitting in the tail end of the top 25, is properly rated. The ‘Dores are well set to get off to a 4-1 start next season, and while their schedule is a little tougher than it was in ’12, this team should be better.

The big question will be whether or not Carta-Samuels can guide the offense to another high-scoring season, but the Vandy defense should be able to build on last year’s strong season.

With the bulk of the starters returning from 2012, there isn’t too much room for a big surprise right now. Kimbrow might ascend to the top of the depth chart and use his speed to put the SEC on notice. Vandy’s continually rebuilding offensive line may struggle once more despite an infusion of depth. Overall, however, I think the ‘Dores have earned some realistic expectations early in the 2013 cycle.

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Christian D’Andrea of Anchor of Gold provided the information for our Vanderbilt Football 2013 Spring Wrap Up. For more Vandy football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Christian on Twitter @TrainIsland  and Anchor of Gold @anchorofgold.

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