Nov 29, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Patton Robinette (4) reacts after a turnover on downs on the last possession of the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Vanderbilt Stadium. The Volunteers won 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
It should come as no shock that the Vanderbilt Commodores come in last in our pre-spring SEC quarterback power rankings. The 3-9 Commodores were awful last season, especially at quarterback and the biggest issue was the merry-go-round nature of the position in head coach Derek Mason’s first season. Four players started games and combined to complete 180 of 357 passing attempts (50.4%) for 2,149 yards, 13 touchdowns and 19 interceptions.
Patton Robinette earned the start in the season opener against Temple, but was replaced by LSU transfer Stephen Rivers. Robinette was the most consistent passer for the Commodores – he completed 64.2% of his passes – but suffered through injuries and Mason’s quarterback carousel and did not play in five games. A rising junior, Robinette regained the starting job for the season finale against Tennessee, which could give him the inside track this spring.
Johnny McCrary was the team’s leading passer with 985 yards, nine touchdowns and eight interceptions. The sophomore is the most athletic of the bunch, though that didn’t translate to big yards on the ground in 2014. McCrary had just 39 rushing yards on 22 carries last season. He’s got more upside than Robinette, but is also less consistent.
Wade Freebeck also spent time as the starting QB last season, and will be in the mix. True freshman Kyle Shurmur or redshirt freshman Shawn Stankavage could also make their case. Rivers has transferred.
Next: 13. South Carolina