One of Vanderbilt’s top targets in the class of 2013 is in the fold. On Tuesday, Memphis (Tenn.) Harding Academy two-way standout Mack Weaver committed to James Franklin and the Commodores. On Wednesday he made that announcement public with a post on Twitter.
His post read: "Verbally committed to Vanderbilt yesterday!!! #AnchorDown"
Weaver is a 6-5, 250-pound tight end and defensive end who has been near the top of the Vanderbilt coaching staff’s recruiting board for some time. Though Weaver doesn’t talk much about his recruitment, he has certainly been the talk of college coaching staffs from around the country.
Weaver committed to the Commodores over offers from Arkansas, Arizona State, Cincinnati, Clemson, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Tennessee and Texas Tech.
Harding Academy head coach Ryan Derrick spoke with 247Sports about what Vanderbilt is getting in the big versatile athlete.
“With Mack you’re getting a kid that is going to do all the right things as far as showing up on time, working hard and doing what you ask of him,” Derrick said. “He’s been a major strength for us as a blocker at tight end. He’s got great size and can run.”
As much of a presence as Weaver has been for Harding Academy, his best days are likely in front of him.
“He just turned 17 this July so he’s supposed to be a junior,” said Weaver’s coach. “He’s still going to get a lot better. We’re going to try to work all the kinks out so that when he gets to Vanderbilt he’ll be ready to go.”
As a junior, Weaver collected 65 tackles from his defensive end position as well as 16 tackles for loss, nine sacks and three pass breakups. As a tight end, Weaver had 7 catches for 143 yards and two touchdowns.
Along with his athletic prowess, Weaver also brings the academic chops to the Vanderbilt program.
“He’s a 25 ACT guy so Vanderbilt really fits him academically and that was really important to him,” Derrick said.
Weaver is rated by 247Sports as the No. 14 rated player in Tennessee and a three-star prospects. 247Composite ranks Weaver as the No. 11 player in Tennessee and the No. 20 weak-side defensive end in the country.
- Barton Simmons
- National Recruiting Analyst - 247Sports