DO STARS MATTER? (PART II)

In case you're wondering about Vanderbilt's so-called elite recruits, here's a breakdown:

Four-Star Recruits
• LB John Stokes (2007): Sophomore starter at inside linebacker.

Three-Star Recruits
• QB MacKenzie Adams (2005): Redshirt junior started six games last year; backs up Chris Nickson.
• WR Earl Bennett (2005): SEC's all-time leading receiver in three years, drafted by Bears.
• QB Jared Funk (2006): Redshirt sophomore battling Larry Smith for No. 3 spot.
• TE Jonathon Massey (2006): Transferred to Southern Mississippi.
• CB D.J. Moore (2006): Junior considered one of the top two underclassman cornerbacks in the nation.
• OL Adam Smotherman (2006): Moved to DT, starting as a redshirt sophomore.
• CB Alan Strong (2006): A top backup as a redshirt sophomore.
• QB Turner Wimberly (2006): Redshirt sophomore moved to wide receiver, competing for backup spot.
• TE Brandon Barden (2007): Redshirt freshman transferred from Virginia Tech, caught big touchdown against South Carolina.
• OL Kyle Fischer (2007): Redshirt freshman backs up Reilly Lauer at tackle.
• ATH Jamie Graham (2007): Redshirt freshman scored on a reverse against Rice; first SEC athlete to play football and basketball
• QB Larry Smith (2007): Redshirt freshman considered the quarterback of the future.
• WR Udom Umoh (2007): Redshirt freshman listed No. 2 on depth chart.
• RB Ryan Van Rensburg (2007): Redshirt freshman listed behind four other running backs.
• WR John Cole (2008): True freshman played in opener, but out for season with knee injury.
• ATH Casey Hayward (2008): True freshman has seen action at cornerback and is already a demon on special teams.
• LB DeAndre Jones (2008): Could see action as true freshman; possible redshirt.
• DE Taylor Loftley (2008): Could see action as true freshman; possible redshirt.

Top Commodores not considered top recruits
• QB Chris Nickson
• OT Thomas Welch
• DE Broderick Stewart
• SS Reshard Langford
• CB Myron Lewis