2003 Statistics

Quarterback
Junior Jay Cutler is the most underrated quarterback in the Southeastern Conference. Though he doesn't receive as much hype as counterparts David Greene and Chris Leak, Cutler had more touchdown passes in 2003 than either. While he plays a bit unrefined at times, his spontaneity and aggressiveness makes him special. His dual-threat ability also makes him tough to predict, and therefore defend. In addition to being a fine athlete, Cutler is a field general with a commanding presence. He has the talent to truly lead Vanderbilt up the conference standings. Reserve Steven Bright played sparingly as a freshman but will have to fend off newcomer Chris Nickson, the state of Alabama's reining "Mr. Football". This all bodes well for Vandy.

Running Back
The Commodores have two viable options at tailback. Former SEC Rookie of the Year Kwane Doster and leading rusher Norval McKenzie both return. Doster is arguably the more talented of the two, but his production slipped as a sophomore. That slump allowed McKenzie a chance to showcase his talents. The now-senior responded well. He does not have the playmaking skills of Doster. McKenzie will begin as the starter, but if Doster is motivated, look for the job to be his once again before October. Fullback Matthew Tant is an oft-utilized force in short-yardage/goal-line situations, both when being thrown to and handed off.

Receiver
Junior Erik Davis has firmly established himself as one of the lead targets in the SEC. He has prototypical size and is the leader of a deep and talented Vanderbilt rotation. By stretching the field, Davis will allow his peers to thrive in the intermediate passing game. In addition to being Cutler's favorite deep threat, Davis has also become his favorite option in the red zone. Senior Brandon Smith is a viable compliment. He is more of a possession-type receiver who thrives on productivity and efficiency. Big man Marlon White is an imposing third option who is a matchup problem for any corner in the league. Vanderbilt's crop of receivers, though, isn't comparable to others in the conference. But since they return most all of last year's set to go with the same QB, mediocre will get better - how much better will go a long way towards the team's overall success.

True freshman tight end Brad Allen is highly-touted, and should see playing time early. Junior Dustin Dunning is the starter, but hasn't proven to be a ball-hawk by any stretch. This dimension is vital for the entire receiving threat to be legitimized.

Offensive Line
Following a season of inconsistency and inexperience, the offensive front has to be rugged and reliable. All five returning to open have spent time starting. Senior tackle Justin Geisinger, a pre-season all-American by some, is the blindside insurance many QBs wish they had. He and Cutler work well together, as evidenced by the Vol's low sacks-allowed total. Sophomore Steven Brent is an undersized, but feisty, center. It was nice that they spent so much energy protecting Cutler, but averaging fewer than four per carry makes their work cut out for them. Cutler and the WRs need a running game to set them off.

OFFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
Just in case you missed the point, Cutler is Vanderbilt's offensive catalyst. The offense will go as far as he can take it. He has to get help from the line's ability to go helmet-to-helmet with the SEC's best and open running holes. Hopes are that Doster, who was a versatile force as a freshman, will return to form, allowing the offense to be more open and unpredictable. Historically speaking, the Vanderbilt offense has lacked firepower (ranked 78th in total offense). But their sudden spark won't be a surprise anymore, so we will see how this unit responds with opponent's levels turned up. With so many players from before, they will still achieve as expected.

Defensive Line
Few adjectives better describe end Jovan Haye than disruptive. The senior thrives at creating chaos and is one of the better defensive playmakers in the conference. Haye doesn't have enough pure speed to rush the passer; he relies on innovation and desire instead. He is an accomplished run defender as well as being a sack threat needing double-teaming. The rest of the line is somewhat mundane. Senior tackle Robert Dinwiddie has been hindered by injuries, while the other ends have not shown any consistent ability to rush the passer. In a move to try all options, sophomore Ray Brown is the other inside starter, a status he earned through his intuitive spring performance. This was a poor run-stopping unit last year, and with all starters somewhere on the depth chart, there is no one to blame when they don't get it right.

Linebacker
Towards the end of '03, the group began to play as a unit, and with all three starters returning, that progressive success will carry over. Junior Moses Osemgewe is the unquestioned leader. He is a relentless, keenly aware defender with a knack for contact and collision. He showed the ability to make plays behind the line of scrimmage as a sophomore as he collected 10.5 sacks from his outside linebacker spot. Oft-injured Otis Washington is a fireplug at middle linebacker. He can be a force in run defense, but he lacks in coverage, the cause when he is replaced by redshirt freshman Jonathan Goff. Herdley Harrison mans the other outside position and is somewhat anti-climatic compared to his unit peers. Early in the year, especially, this group was demoralized at times. They must get tougher for the Commodores to improve.

Defensive Back
With four returning starters and a budding star in junior Kelechi Ohanaja, Vanderbilt will now boast one of the top backfields in the conference. Ohanaja is a complete player at free safety. His skills allow sturdy strong safety Andrew Pace to thrive. The corners are led by junior Dominique Morris, and with all their corners standing at 5'11'' or taller, they have enough size to play with anyone. Nickel Bill Alford is the group's speedster. With increased experience and rising confidence, their 15 INTs from '03 should only increase.

DEFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
Vanderbilt needs more consistency from their front seven. Haye is genuinely all-American at defensive end, and Osemgewe is strong, but the supporting cast will struggle to step up. Opponents have run on the Commodores almost at will, a symptom sure to tell the tale of this entire defense once repeated. The defensive line and linebackers play with little continuity, which won't allow the coaching staff to be more flexible and more aggressive with their defensive schemes. There is viable talent in the secondary, but only potential up front. For Vanderbilt to escape the cellar, it must come to fruition.