Vanderbilt football recruiting is off to a fast start with its 2014 class, currently numbering five commitments. Head coach James Franklin and staff are trying to keep the momentum going from the strong class they put together in 2013. That class was one of the best in Vanderbilt history, and the Commodores are looking to take the next step and contend for an Eastern Division title. To do so, it will likely need to bring in more four-star recruits.
Commitments since National Signing Day: Dallas Rivers, Bryce Lewis, Emmanuel Smith
Decommitments since National Signing Day: None
Current Verbal Commitments
K.J. Carta-Samuels, San Jose (Calif.) Bellarmine Prep: Samuels is a very promising quarterback prospect. I had the chance to see him in person at the IMG Invitational in the summer of 2012, and he showed well. Samuels has a nice blend of arm, athleticism, and feel for the game. He's not the biggest QB at 6'2 and 210 pounds, but the consensus four-star already holds an offer from Arizona as well.
Dallas Rivers, Stone Mountain (GA) Stephenson High School: Rivers committed to the Commodores in late March. The 6'0, 200-pound athlete also claims offers from Arizona, Boston College, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Louisville, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, Syracuse, Tennessee, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest and West Virginia. Stephenson is a strong program and the consensus three-star Rivers is a good pull for Vanderbilt.
Jashon Robertson, Nashville (TN) Montgomery Bell Academy: Vanderbilt has some rebuilding to do along the offensive and defensive lines, and the 6'3, 280-pound Robertson should help with the former. The local product does not list any other offers, and has been committed to Vanderbilt since June of 2012. Robertson is a consensus three-star recruit.
Bryce Lewis, Lilburn (GA) Parkview High School: Lewis is a 6'1, 170-pound cornerback recruit. He is considered one of the best 75 corner prospects in the country, and chose Vanderbilt in late March over offers from Boston College and Georgia State. Lewis is a consensus three-star recruit.
Emmanuel Smith, Murfreesboro (TN) Oakland High School: Smith is a consensus three-star safety recruit. He checks in at 6'2 and 200 pounds, and chose Vanderbilt over claimed offers from Louisville, Memphis, Middle Tennessee State, Oregon State and Tennessee.
National Signing Day is nearly a year away. Verbal commitments are non-binding and change frequently.
For more on Vanderbilt football recruiting, visit Anchor Of Gold.
Follow @SBNationCFBFollow @SBNRecruiting
More from SB Nation:
• Exclusive with Tommy Tuberville
• SB Nation reports Sun Belt expansion
• SB Nation’s Garnet & Black Attack interviews Marcus Lattimore
• SB Nation’s Maize n Brew interviews Denard Robinson
• College football's most penalized teams and flag-happy refs
• What if March Madness had football ... | ... Or football had Madness