Jeff Lockridge's Blog Must Read Today

If you haven't already, the Tennessean's Vanderbilt beat report has some really interesting stuff today on his blog that you need to read.

First, Lockridge confirms what we all knew: Chris Beatty is headed to Illinios to be the co-offensive cooridnator. This is a huge blow down on the field and off the field. Coach Beatty had done a great job with the wide receivers this season, turning Chris Boyd and Jordan Matthews into explosive threats, something the Commodores haven't had out wide since Earl Bennett. Perhaps more importantly, Beatty was the recruiting cooridnator for a program that is hoping to land its first Top-25 recruiting class in school history. According to Lockridge, however, Coach Franklin isn't concerned about the effect Beatty's departure will have as the Commodores already have 20 public commitments.

Second, sophomore center Logan Stewart and freshman Mitchell Hester (who red-shirted this season) have been dismissed from the team for violating team rules. In addition, several red-shirt juniors who will be eligible to graduate (or have graduated already) will not be returning for their final year of eligibility. This list includes RB Michah Powell, OL Caleb Welchans, and LB DeAndre Jones.

Finally, there is apparently some twiiter controversey after senion TE Brandon Barden wrote: "If you go to Vandy now, you seriously sign ONE year scholarship #dirtygame #gladtomoveon." The implication is that Franklin is running players off for poor performance, a charge he vehemently denied in Lockridge's blog.