Saturday, February 2, 2013
Vandy lands three-star running back
By Derek Tyson
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Less than a week after losing running back Johnathan Ford (New Hope, Ala./New Hope), the Vanderbilt Commodores landed a commitment from a three-star running back from Florida.
Rapheal Webb (Gainesville, Fla./Gainesville) chose Vanderbilt over Minnesota, Florida Atlantic and Boston College. He early playing time and and his familiarity with Vanderbilt's offense were big reasons for his choosing the Commodores.
"I just love the coaches and I just see myself fitting in with the guys," Webb said. "With me being the only running back that will be coming in with the class and a great opportunity for me to come in and play. There are only three scholarship running backs on the team and I think I have a chance to come in and play the type of offense they have we ran that out of my high school the past couple years. It will be an easy transition for me and I think it will be perfect for me."
Webb, who is 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds, said Vanderbilt coach James Franklin was excited to hear about his commitment.
"They were fired up," Webb said. "Coach Franklin ran through the football office and told everybody, and they're ready to have me come June 1st."
Webb said Vanderbilt fans can expect to get a player who will work hard on and off the field.
"Vandy will get the same player from high school who will lead us on and off the field," he said. "I'm going to come in passionate, enthusiastic and hard-working -- not only on the field but in the classroom, too."
As a senior, Webb rushed for 2,028 yards and 28 touchdowns on 226 carries and helped lead Gainesville to the state championship game.
With the commitment of Webb, the Commodores have 25 verbal commitments, including 23 from players who are ranked as three-stars or higher.
