The Commodores got off to a 3-0 start in James Franklin’s first season as the Head Coach, and looked poised for a surprise season.  But the team won just three games the rest of the year en route to a 6-7 record overall.  This season, quarterback Jordan Rodgers gets a full season at the helm, and he has a couple of solid offensive weapons at his disposal.  Here is a look at Vanderbilt’s top, draft-eligible players.  Underclassmen are designated with an asterisk…

Also, if you didn’t like James Franklin as a head coach before, you will after you watch this video.

Jordan Rodgers is overshadowed by his brothers’ greatness, but we’re all looking forward to seeing how he progresses as a senior. Photo Credit: Murphy Byrne of http://www.murphybyrne.com/

Jordan Rodgers QB 6’1 212 – Rodgers is the younger brother of Green Bay’s superstar quarterback, Aaron; but he’s no threat to be drafted in the first round like his brother was back in 2005.  Like Aaron, Jordan began his post-high school career at Butte Community College in Oroville, California.  He transferred in to Vanderbilt in 2010, and spent his first year sidelined with a shoulder injury.  Last season, Rodgers started the season as the backup to Larry Smith, and wound up starting seven games as Smith dealt with injuries of his own.  Rodgers has a decent arm, but he struggled with his accuracy in completing just 50% of his passes – thanks in part to a four for 19 performance against Alabama, and a 10 for 27 showing against Army.  Rodgers had a couple of strong showings in narrow losses to Florida and Arkansas, as the team went 3-4 in his starts.  He’s an athletic player who finished second on the team in rushing on the year.  Still, until he can become a more consistent passer, Rodgers is no more than a marginal prospect at this time.

Zac Stacy RB 5’9 210 – The Vanderbilt running back is one of the under the radar offensive players covered here.

Jordan Matthews has plenty of upside, and he could be in for an even bigger break-out year than he had last season. Photo Credit: Murphy Byrne of http://www.murphybyrne.com/

Jordan Matthews* WR 6’3 205 – Matthews caught 15 passes and scored four touchdowns in 12 games as a true freshman in 2010.  He started slow last season, but once Rodgers took over Matthews caught 34 passes for 669 yards (19.7 yards per catch) and four TDs in just seven games.  At one point Matthews ripped off three straight games with at least six receptions, 130 yards, and a score.  Matthews has very good speed and is a big target down the field.  With Rodgers under center for an entire season, Matthews could be poised for a breakout junior year.

Also keep an eye on:  Trey Wilson CB 5’11 195, Ryan Seymour OT 6’5 300, Rob Lohr DT 6’4 290