NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason said relationships helped keep together his first full signing class with players who got a chance to see all the growing pains the Commodores went through during his first season.
Mason said Wednesday that the 18 signees got to see "the good, the bad and the ugly" of a 3-9 record in 2014 after he made scheme changes both offensively and defensively.
The coach made more changes at season's end, firing both coordinators and a couple other assistants. Mason said these players know where the Commodores are headed now.
The Commodores wanted depth on the offensive line and linebackers who fit Mason's 3-4 defense. Linebacker Josh Smith highlights the class along with quarterback Kyle Shurmur and Jaire George, son of former NFL running back Eddie George.
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