Which Vanderbilt redshirt juniors will return in 2012?

James Franklin has declared every position open and has said that even Chris Marve has to win his starting job.

That kind of talk won’t bother Chris Marve, but it has to concern Vandy’s 20 redshirt juniors. Not only are they competing for a starting job – they’re also fighting for a chance to return to Nashville for the 2012 season.

Franklin said back in the spring that he’s looking to give scholarships to 17 players on signing day, but he recently amended that number to 20. If he does sign 20, that means that, barring any career-injuries or transfers, he can only invite half of the current redshirt juniors to return for a fifth year.

Here’s a quick run-down of who’s got the best shot to return next season:

YES: WILL RETURN AS A STARTER
• Ryan Seymour, OT
• Richard Kent, P

YES: WILL COMPETE FOR A STARTING JOB
• Aaron Rodgers, QB
• Jabo Burrow, OG
• Caleb Welchans, OL
• Rob Lohr, DT
• Colt Nichter, DT

MAYBE: NEEDS A SOLID SEASON
• John Cole, WR
• Austin Monahan, TE
• Johnell Thomas, DE
• DeAndre Jones, LB
• Tristan Strong, LB
• Archibald Barnes, LB
• Ryan Fowler, K

PROBABLY NOT: NEEDS TO SHOW DRAMATIC IMPROVEMENT
• Micah Powell, RB
• Akeem Dunham, WR
• Josh Jelesky, DT
• Taylor Loftley, DT
• Dexter Daniels, DE
• Al Owens, LB

And looking ahead, redshirt sophomores who need to start making progress and holding off competition from younger recruits if they want to return for a fifth year in 2013 include wide receiver Brady Brown, offensive lineman Mylon Brown and defensive end Thad McHaney.